UNION CITY, NJ – The ongoing scandal involving New Jersey U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is being seen as a political opportunity for one foreign leader who has been the focus of the embattled center’s ire over the past few decades.
President Tayyip Erdogan expressed that the legal issues surrounding U.S. Senator Bob Menendez could serve as an opening for Turkey’s requested purchase of F-16 U.S. fighter jets.
Menendez, recently charged with accepting bribes from three businessmen in New Jersey, had been a key obstacle to the sale due to his criticism of Turkey’s human rights record. He has temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but plans to remain in Congress, asserting his innocence.
Erdogan emphasized that Menendez’s compromised position could be advantageous for Turkey, stating, “There is benefit in turning this situation into an opportunity.” He added that Menendez’s absence might ease the way not only for the F-16 deal but also for other issues where the senator had been obstructive.
Alongside the F-16 discussion, Erdogan also spoke about Turkey’s role in Sweden’s pending NATO membership bid. He stated that the White House should honor its commitments regarding the fighter jet sale, adding, “We expect a clear response from the U.S. on that matter now.”
Turkey had formally requested 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighters and 79 modernization kits for existing planes in October 2021. The Biden administration has expressed support for the $20-billion sale, linking it to Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership. Erdogan confirmed that Turkey would ratify the membership bid if the U.S. fulfills its promise on the F-16 sale.