Erdoğan’s historic White House visit

President Tayyip Erdoğan's meeting with President Trump at the White House was full of remarkable moments, both on and off-camera. Oval Office Meeting – A Diplomatic First The Oval Office is known as the U.S. Presidents' official working room. Hosting a world leader there is seen as a sign of high respect. President Trump welcomed Erdoğan warmly, gave him a personal tour of the Oval Office, and pointed out historic paintings. Trump: 'These paintings of Lincoln, G. Washington, and Roosevelt were put in storage during Biden's term. I brought them back and had them re-hung.' Plans for a New Reception Hall The two leaders moved to the Rose Garden next. Trump remarked that the small garden limited the scale of receptions. He recalled his past proposal (in 2016) to fund a grand ballroom during Obama's presidency for $100 million. Trump: 'I'll build a 2,000-square-meter, 1,000-person event hall right next to the Rose Garden. We'll open it in two years—and you'll be my guest of honor. No elections for you then, right? Not that it matters—you'll win anyway!' F-22 Pin & Symbolism Social media buzzed about a fighter jet pin on Trump's lapel during the meeting, speculated to reference F-35s or a military message to Türkiye. Trump clarified: 'They gave me all the airplane pins. I wear them in turns—but this one (F-22 Raptor) is my favorite!' (Note: The U.S. doesn't even sell F-22s to allies.) Praise for Erdoğan's Delegation Trump praised Turkish officials present—Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın. Trump joked: 'I know them better than anyone. They're brilliant. Maybe too brilliant!' He gifted Erdoğan his iconic black pen, engraved with 'White House' on one side and Trump's signature on the other. Blair House Stay – A Symbol of Closeness Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan stayed at Blair House—the Presidential Guest House opposite the White House. It's considered a top-tier diplomatic honor with over 60 rooms. Ex-Protocol Officer Raymond Martinez: 'You don't invite just anyone to your house. Either you're close friends—or you want to become close.' Erdoğan and his wife were warmly received, took photos with staff, and signed the guest book. Dinner & Menu After their official meeting and Q&A in the Oval Office, Trump and Erdoğan continued their discussion over a simple dinner. The menu, coordinated with the Turkish side, included red meat, salad, and dessert. Tourists & the 'Diplomatic Milestone' While Erdoğan entered through the White House's official protocol gate, tourists gathered in hopes of seeing him at the Ellipse Park behind the building. Many took photos at the 'Zero Milestone'—a symbolic stone representing the starting point of U.S. roads.