As part of AHEPA’s ongoing efforts to block the Trump administration’s sale of U.S. F-35s to Turkey, we will once again call upon our dedicated advocates to contact their local representatives and voice their concern.

Beginning the NATO Summit in Turkey earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced he will lift CAATSA sanctions on Turkey, and is considering selling F-35s to Ankara.

This move comes despite the 2020 NDAA forbidding Turkey’s acquisition of F-35s due to their possession of Russian S-400 air defense systems.

When asked about the potential risks of the sale, President Trump said, “I have no concerns at all about anything.” “I mean, he’s a leader of a country that he’s made a much better country, much more powerful country. You see it— I mean, it’s beautiful, you get off, the roads are beautiful, it’s an amazing thing. No, I have no concerns about anything having to do with Turkey.”

Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson, in response, has written the following and mobilized AHEPA’s political efforts in an attempt the block the sale. He has asked for all AHEPA advocates to reach out to their elected representatives and demand the stoppage of the sale and reinstatement of sanctions.

Congresswoman Dina Titus has since introduced H.J.Res.200, providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Turkey of certain defense articles and services. AHEPA supports the resolution.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Identify yourself as a constituent.
• If calling, ask to speak with the Foreign Affairs Legislative Assistant.
• Keep your message/request as brief and as focused as possible.
• For expediency, we recommend sending an email or telephoning as opposed to correspondence that is mailed. However, mailing a letter is suitable.
• Remember, members of Congress work for you, and they want to hear from you.
• Note: For the purposes of record keeping, please send a copy of your correspondence to: Government Affairs Associate Stefanos Gemelas: stefanos@ahepa.org
• This will allow us to know who in Congress has been contacted for future follow-up.

The letter reads as follows:

“Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the Order of AHEPA and the 1.2 million Philhellenes across the United States, I am writing to express our profound distress and sharp opposition regarding the administration’s recent shifts in foreign policy. We are deeply concerned by the decision to lift sanctions on the Republic of Türkiye, as well as the recently increased possibility of an F-35 sale.

Türkiye has repeatedly proven time and time again that it is an unreliable ally, and cannot be considered a dependable strategic partner. Under the authoritarian rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ankara has pursued a foreign policy that directly undermines U.S. national security interests and actively destabilizes the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Erdoğan regime has destroyed democratic institutions and dismantled the rule of law domestically through relentless, state-sanctioned crackdowns. These actions represent a total rejection of the democratic values that form the NATO alliance.

Internationally, Ankara antagonizes NATO, escalating tensions with neighboring democratic states and asserting illegal maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean which violate international law. Meanwhile, they maintain their aggressive political attacks on the historic Ecumenical Patriarchate and Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.

Washington has offered Ankara countless opportunities to repair these fractured relations. Yet, at every chance, Türkiye has refused to cooperate in any meaningful capacity. This is most obvious in their refusal to remove Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems from their military arsenal, a direct violation of U.S. defense policy.

None of that is to mention that Türkiye still continues its brutal, 51-year illegal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, a sovereign U.N. member state and an increasingly close strategic ally of the United States. Rather than working toward a peaceful solution, Ankara has actively exploited the ongoing conflicts and instability in the Middle East to tighten its military grip on Cyprus and the region.

They have quietly funneled troops and weaponry into the occupied northern territory, while routinely violating Greek and Cypriot airspace with unauthorized military drills and fighter jet overflights.

If we are to protect U.S. security interests in NATO and the Eastern Mediterranean, we must stand firm against a closer alignment with Türkiye. Mr. President, I respectfully urge that you change course on this policy.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter, and for your continued leadership in defending America’s national security interests alongside our fellow democratic allies.”

Sincerely,

E. Chris Kaitson

Supreme President