Trump blames Obama as he reluctantly bans F-35 sales to Turkey

[SouthernProgressive]

President Donald Trump says Turkey will be banned from purchasing American F-35 fighter jets after it acquired a Russian air defense system, but made no mention of sanctions that the US is legally required to impose in response, worrying lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Trump misrepresented the developments that led Turkey to purchase the Russian system, blaming the Obama administration for the situation and sympathizing with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the "very tough situation that they've been forced in."

"Because they have a system of missiles that's made in Russia, they're now prohibited from buying over 100 planes," Trump said of Turkey during in a Cabinet meeting. "I would say that (F-35 manufacturer) Lockheed isn't exactly happy. That's a lot of jobs. And frankly I've always had a very good relationship" with Erdogan, Trump added.

In the tussle with Turkey over the Russian air defense system, a thorny mix of diplomatic and technological challenges are intersecting with the President's affinity for strongmen leaders and his tendency to execute international diplomacy based on his personal relationships.

CNN

[RKP5637]

1. Everything is always Obama's or Hillary's fault with this asshole! n/t

[bdamomma]

3. cause he is

a effing bully, who talks out of his ass.

[RKP5637]

4. Sorry for the long link! And what does his mouth remind you of?

https://gm1.ggpht.com/DwXE7Va8V-nhJyXCRxdkAoSqRJ8M-RfmRKkuerNbYXO9R9xF-yKZ_wtk0MtyN306lxxo72OoUIfaC4BgP_4lsG1Sok6QhxtYvXsHeCI5RGbNFx9FpsT_FvqPNpZiKhUVyynpMURPPP4tkgrRBkIJINwZJ2cNXIvuGwofZMYlj6xMc8rWS74Gub3tcTvCbnPeUqmJ_ns6jGdaQeJhZwIA5ZR1NxS2ao6olytUREXSNTPr75OyGPGJFBeLzAYyFWs7ciVwDvSELpJxa78-kAyrPsMrNGc4IInsobtZV90Zm_OuNj2MhoRdE7b9Wb-TbSvpUhmCu5eJwTs5PsKUoIoRNeNweMDdSXSDdoTT1LDZKVgW6p29JbtmmF7rdKu1Amu56tiA8918WvH53Fez5PcEljScKQks0kGQIxhBPR7t9a_096_TQhTNjFZOFG1b7wQo_3fvgltov_XFk7Ipn5wEsCITcNyiuPl4VDP5fK_WN0buk0qJahGsC8PeG8qqW7sIB6CrnYhXItGFub7Vud4yrOccHjX7yfmux6gK2yLHiCFPXFKgIvXHDw-0A_LzgP-ByIWljzc-PChmzq0ai_wpIC0yJZ38Gxaljpxrf1zZkD7P5rfB3o-qC1k3cvKfXodqCI29LRM78JDuMiUHnFIQ9ZT9Vq95HbdLAmXtWXslV6_OKKEU8E4ZbOFH2t0LLpl9VmLZ6FL7ln4GHKH5fqFFcIeeOuMnXOX-adI=s0-l75-ft-l75-ft

[marble falls]

2. Now if we could only ban the US from buying and selling F-35 lemons ...

Trump might have done Turk fighter pilots a big solid.

[hunter]

5. That was my thought too.

Trump has done Turkey, and indirectly Russia, a favor.

Trump's ban wasn't made "reluctantly" at all, it's just his excuse to U.S. workers who will be laid off in this military boondoggle.

[zipplewrath]

7. We need 'em

Unfortunately, we need them. The existing planes are wearing out fast. The 3 different F-35's are "good enough". They're probably also the last manned fighter we'll ever produce. in 30 years or so we'll prefer remotely piloted version.

[Wellstone ruled]

6. So Mike Flynn and Trump

are missing out on the Sales Commission. Dang.