Story perspectives

Erdogan Warns Trump: Respect Venezuela's Legitimacy and Stability

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned U.S. President Donald Trump against actions that undermine political legitimacy and violate international law, in response to the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Erdogan said Venezuela must not descend into chaos and reaffirmed Turkey's support for the Venezuelan people.
He noted Turkey's aim to rejoin the F-35 program after sanctions and exclusion, and that Venezuela remains a focal point in U.S.-Turkey relations.

History

Historical Context

In April 2002, U.S. support for a coup attempt against Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez marked a significant deterioration in U.S.-Venezuela relations, which had soured since Chávez's election in 1999. The Organization of American States condemned the intervention, emphasizing respect for sovereignty, while tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have continued to shape regional politics and international law debates.

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Story summary

Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned U.S. President Donald Trump against actions that undermine political legitimacy and violate international law, in response to the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Erdogan said Venezuela must not descend into chaos and reaffirmed Turkey's support for the Venezuelan people.
He noted Turkey's aim to rejoin the F-35 program after sanctions and exclusion, and that Venezuela remains a focal point in U.S.-Turkey relations.

1 / 2