Up close: How Turkish media covered Trump’s election victory
Turkish newspaper headlines about Donald Trump's victory. (Collage by Tugce Atmaca/Türkiye Today)
Following Donald Trump‘s victory in the U.S. presidential election, Turkish media provided extensive coverage, examining the implications of his return to office. Multiple news outlets highlighted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s congratulatory call to Trump.
Türkiye daily: ‘Trump came back stronger’
Türkiye daily featured Erdogan’s phone call with Trump, headlining their coverage with “Trump Came Back Stronger.”
The article focused on Trump’s message about ending ongoing wars, noting that Trump had “beaten Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election” and emphasizing his promise of a more peaceful foreign policy approach.
Hurriyet: ‘Trump’s four tests’
Hurriyet newspaper ran an article titled “Trump’s Four Tests,” listing four critical issues facing Trump from Türkiye’s perspective: Türkiye’s potential return to the F-35 program, lifting CAATSA sanctions, the S-400 defense system, and U.S. support for the PKK/YPG.
The report suggested that these topics might come to the forefront in the new administration. Hurriyet also questioned whether the U.S. might withdraw troops from Syria, end the war in Ukraine, or influence the Israel-Palestine situation.
Sabah and Sozcu: Trump’s promise to ‘end the wars’
Sabah newspaper highlighted Trump’s commitment to ending global conflicts, noting that many are curious about his ability to fulfill this promise.
Sozcu, meanwhile, covered Trump’s public appearance with his wife in Florida, remarking that he “outpolled Harris and declared victory before all votes were counted.” The article also mentioned Erdogan’s friendly congratulatory message to Trump.
Aksam and Yeni Safak: A focus on peace and genocide
Aksam reported on Trump’s statement, “His first promise is to end the war,” while Yeni Safak’s headline read, “Trump is Coming Back Stronger.”
Yeni Safak also linked Kamala Harris’s loss to her alleged support for “genocide,” suggesting that U.S. Muslims and pro-Palestinian groups “held her accountable” for her stance on Israel.
Aksam echoed this narrative, suggesting that Harris’s defeat was because of her policies on Israel.
Cumhuriyet and Karar: Trade and criticism
Cumhuriyet highlighted renewed hope in Türkiye’s business community for achieving a $100 billion trade goal between Türkiye and the U.S. with Trump’s re-election.
Meanwhile, Karar took a critical tone with its headline, “One of the Two Villains Was Chosen,” underscoring criticism of both Trump’s and Harris’s policies on Israel.
Overall, Turkish media responded to Trump’s victory with a mix of optimism, curiosity and skepticism, focusing on Türkiye’s diplomatic and economic interests while raising questions about his policies and the potential impact on international issues.
