The Trump administration is set to move forward with a $750 million sale of U.S.-made jet engines to Turkey despite a hold placed by a key Democratic lawmaker citing concerns over Turkey’s continued use of Russian military technology and its regional actions.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D., N.Y.) had imposed the hold on the sale, which involves F-110 jet engines intended for Turkey’s domestically developed KAAN fighter aircraft program. Meeks expressed reservations due to Turkey’s possession of a Russian S-400 air-defense system purchased about a decade ago, as well as its activities in Syria and ongoing tensions with Greece. The S-400 system has been a persistent source of friction between the U.S. and Turkey, given worries that it could compromise sensitive American military technology. These concerns previously contributed to Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter program.

The hold represents a rare display of congressional opposition to an arms sale involving a NATO ally, particularly as Turkey prepares to host an alliance summit in the coming month. Traditionally, the executive branch coordinates with congressional leaders, including the chair and ranking members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, before finalizing major arms sales. While often conducted discreetly, such approvals are considered a key element of legislative oversight.

Despite Meeks’ objections, the administration plans to override the hold and approve the transaction. An administration official emphasized the close relationship between President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing Turkey as “a great partner in the region.” The official highlighted Erdogan’s role in facilitating dialogue aimed at resolving conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, underscoring Turkey’s strategic importance to the United States despite ongoing security sensitivities.

Meeks criticized the administration’s decision, stating that bypassing Congress constitutes “another deeply troubling example of this administration’s open contempt for Congress’s oversight authority.” The dispute underscores limits to the recent warming of U.S.-Turkey relations, which has largely been attributed to the personal rapport between Trump and Erdogan.

Turkish officials did not respond to requests for comment on the arms sale or the congressional dispute. The sale falls under a direct commercial sales program that allows U.S. companies to export military equipment abroad with government approval.

This development sets the stage for Trump’s anticipated visit to Ankara in July during the NATO summit, highlighting the complex and often strained nature of defense and diplomatic ties between Washington and Ankara. While Turkey remains a pivotal NATO ally with important military bases and mediation roles, unresolved issues surrounding its procurement of Russian defense systems continue to complicate bilateral relations.