Overview

• President Trump called Turkish President Erdoğan 'very smart' and highlighted their strong personal relationship during remarks at the White House.
• Trump suggested Erdoğan could serve as a mediator to resolve disputes between Israel and Turkey, urging Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to engage in 'reasonable' dialogue.
• Critics, including members of Republican Against Trump, condemned Trump's praise of Erdoğan, citing the Turkish leader's alleged autocratic practices and suppression of opposition figures.
• Erdoğan has faced accusations of undermining democracy in Turkey through control of courts, media, and the detention of political rivals, including a recent crackdown on opposition officials.
• The discussion also touched on Turkey's controversial role in regional conflicts, with Israeli forces criticizing its actions in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime.