Trump administration bypasses Congress to push F-110 jet engine sale to Trkiye

President Donald Trump’s administration is bypassing Congress to push through a $750 million sale of F-110 jet engines to Türkiye for its KAAN fighter jet program, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and raised questions about the White House’s transparency on key defense decisions. The administration invoked President Trump’s close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, describing Türkiye as “a great partner in the region,” in a statement released Thursday.

The deal, which bypasses the usual congressional review process, has drawn immediate backlash from senior Democrats. A spokesperson for House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Gregory Meeks condemned the move as “another example of this administration’s disregard for democratic oversight,” while Senate Armed Services Committee member Elizabeth Warren called the sale “reckless and unaccountable.” The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the criticism.

The announcement comes amid a broader erosion of public trust in the administration’s handling of both foreign policy and domestic affairs. On Thursday, a poll by *The Independent* found that a majority of Americans believe the White House is not being truthful about Trump’s health, citing visible bruising on his hand and reports of him dozing off during public appearances. The 80-year-old president has faced persistent speculation about his stamina and cognitive sharpness, with critics questioning whether he remains fit for office.

The jet engine sale also coincides with a high-profile diplomatic gaffe in the making: Trump is scheduled to present the FIFA World Cup trophy on Saturday, an event that risks overshadowing the tournament’s global celebration. Analysts warn the appearance could prove “very awkward,” given Trump’s polarizing reputation and the tournament’s emphasis on unity and sportsmanship.

Meanwhile, NATO’s top envoy to the Trump administration arrived at the White House on Friday to “soothe” the president amid growing tensions within the alliance. The envoy, whose identity has not been disclosed, is expected to address concerns over Trump’s recent criticism of NATO members’ defense spending and his unpredictable foreign policy decisions.

The administration’s decision to bypass Congress on the jet engine sale underscores its willingness to sidestep traditional checks on executive power, a pattern that has drawn comparisons to its handling of other high-stakes foreign policy moves. With Trump’s health and leadership under renewed scrutiny, the White House’s latest maneuver risks deepening divisions both at home and abroad.