US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Donald Trump remains the only global leader capable of bringing peace to both the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. He emphasized that many countries, including Turkey, are calling on the US to take a more active role in international crises.
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Turkish uproar following Marco Rubio’s statements
These statements have sparked new tensions in Washington-Ankara relations, with the Turkish press reacting strongly. The pro-government Sabah newspaper called the remarks “insulting,” while Turkey’s opposition media reproduced Rubio’s statements, reinforcing their criticism of the Erdogan government. The confrontation erupted after the Turkish president’s remarks, in which he had pointed out that Trump had promised to end the war in Ukraine but failed, as he claims is also happening with the Gaza issue.
Rubio says Erdogan can say all he wants on Gaza and Ukraine but he will come to the White House when he wants something done and would seek Trump’s help pic.twitter.com/R2vaPxR3eM
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) September 23, 2025
“Everyone comes to the White House. Everyone wants to speak with President Trump,” Rubio stated, emphasizing Trump’s importance as an irreplaceable leader on the global stage, according to the US administration’s perspective.
Rubio’s response is interpreted by many in Turkey as a veiled attack on Erdogan himself and his policies, with the American official implying that countries like Turkey, despite their apparent statements, desire US support to manage international crises. Rubio’s criticism extends to other international challenges, with particular reference to how “inadequate” the US considers other leaders’ efforts, while governments seek Washington to take an active role.
