Asian News International shared the clip on Instagram with the caption: “Trump brings up ‘rigged elections’, embarrasses Erdogan in front of cameras.”
Social media users reacted sharply. One post on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“Classic Trump—praising Erdogan while bragging about his own exile and ‘friendships.’ Using dictators as props for political narratives is reckless, tone-deaf, and exposes his willingness to normalise authoritarianism for attention.”
Classic Trump—praising Erdogan while bragging about his own exile and ‘friendships.’ Using dictators as props for political narratives is reckless, tone-deaf, and exposes his willingness to normalize authoritarianism for attention.
— Selena Maris (@ItsSelenaMaris) September 25, 2025
Another commented, “There’s no humiliation here – it’s two crooks who are both absolutely proud about rigging elections and laughing about democracy. Brothers in crime.”
There’s no humiliation here – it’s two crooks who are both absolutely proud about rigging elections and laughing about democracy.
Brothers in crime.
— Iron Gnome (@Jaehaerys2016) September 25, 2025
The remarks came as the two leaders met to discuss key geopolitical issues, including Israel’s war in Gaza, Ankara’s delayed purchase of F-35 fighter jets, and broader efforts to repair strained US-Turkey relations.
Trump’s jibe coincides with mounting international criticism of Erdoğan over Turkey’s democratic backsliding. His administration has long been accused of suppressing dissent, manipulating elections, and imprisoning journalists and political opponents — issues that have strained ties between Ankara and Western allies.
This was Erdoğan’s first trip to the White House since 2019, following years of tension under former US President Joe Biden, who kept him at a distance due to Turkey’s internal crackdown and its deepening energy ties with Russia, according to The Times of India.
The bilateral talks also touched on the stalled F-35 fighter jet deal — frozen after Turkey purchased Russian S-400 missile systems — as well as energy cooperation and regional conflicts, particularly the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
Trump also described Erdoğan as a “highly opinionated” figure, adding, “Usually, I don’t like opinionated people. I always like this one, but he’s a tough one.” Erdoğan, in turn, expressed pleasure at being back at the White House and voiced his desire to elevate Turkey–US relations to “a much different level.”
