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Congressman Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) openly disagreed with the Trump administration this week regarding its effort to sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, expressing concerns that the transaction poses significant national security risks.

On a social media post, Lawler expressed his disagreement with the planned sale of one of the most advanced weapon systems in the U.S. military.

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The congressman wrote that the administration’s effort to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey presents major national security issues.

Lawler recognized Turkey’s position as a NATO ally but stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s actions have consistently raised questions about the nation’s reliability as a strategic partner. He pointed out that this history is exactly why legislators previously prevented such a transfer.

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“That’s why Congress legally banned the transfer of F35s to Turkey from the start,” Lawler wrote.

Indicating Turkey’s position regarding U.S. allies in both Europe and the Middle East, Lawler stated he is still strongly opposed to the sale.

He stated that he strongly disagrees with selling one of America’s most sophisticated military systems to Turkey and does not think it serves the United States’ best interests.

The resistance is significant from a Republican official, highlighting a conflict between the administration and its party members regarding a delicate foreign policy and defense issue. Lawler’s statement was shared widely by conservative commentator Erick Erickson.

Turkey had been excluded from the F-35 program in Trump’s initial term due to its acquisition of a Russian air defense system, a move that highlighted ongoing doubts about Ankara’s trustworthiness within the alliance.