A fierce controversy has erupted between Turkey and American network Fox News over the conservative American channel’s translation of Erdogan’s statements, which provoked a strong reaction from Marco Rubio. It all began with Erdogan’s exclusive interview on Fox News with journalist Brett Baier, regarding his meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. The journalist asked the Turkish president how he believes solutions can be found for Gaza and Ukraine. Erdogan’s response (which the network broadcast dubbed in English) was interpreted as direct criticism of the White House. The Turkish president appeared to remind that Trump had committed to stopping the war in Ukraine from the first days of his term and that he would resolve problems in the Middle East.
Rubio’s response to Erdogan
On the same network, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared shortly afterward. Called upon to comment on Erdogan’s statements, both his annoyance and a deeper concern from Washington became apparent. Rubio emphasized that Trump remains the only leader with real capability to bring peace to Ukraine and Gaza, while underlining that everyone seeks contact with the American president.
“These people will say whatever they say. But at the end of the day, everyone, when they want something done, comes to the White House. Same with Erdogan. Everyone wants to talk to President Trump and have him fix the situation. They can say whatever they want. Leaders are begging to be included in President Trump’s schedule for five minutes, even just for a handshake” said the US Secretary of State, among other things.
However, the Turkish presidency protested against Fox News, which it accused of nothing less than… getting lost in translation.
Brett Baier of Fox News publicly conveyed a statement from Turkey’s communications chief in Washington, which states:
“President Erdogan’s response to a question about ending wars was subject to loss of meaning in translation. During that particular interview, President Erdogan emphasized that ending wars involves significant challenges and costs, and he highlighted President Trump’s contribution and efforts toward this direction“.
After conveying the Turkish reaction, Baier insisted on “the accuracy of our translation“, leaving open what will be discussed behind the closed doors of the Oval Office at the White House.
It should be noted that at the Arab-American summit on Gaza, Trump chose to have Erdogan by his side -rather than Qatar-, a move interpreted as an attempt to bridge the gap between the two sides.
