CHP leader Özgür Özel revealed at a rally in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, on September 17, 2025, that Donald Trump Jr. secretly met with President Erdoğan at the Dolmabahçe Palace working office on September 13, 2025. According to Özel’s claims, Trump Jr. was listed in the presidential log as an anonymous “businessman” without his name being recorded. I have asked Perplexity to compile a few Youtuber journalist accounts that commented on this meeting:

Murat Yetkin
Murat Yetkin, a prominent Turkish journalist with over 50K YouTube subscribers, provided detailed analysis in multiple videos about the Trump Jr.-Erdoğan meeting:
Key Analysis Points:
“What did Erdoğan talk about with Trump’s son?” : Yetkin confirmed that while government sources initially remained silent, an AKP official speaking to Deutsche Welle characterized the meeting as a “courtesy visit”.youtube
Business Focus: According to Yetkin’s sources in the business world, Trump family wants to make real estate investments in Turkey, not just in real estate but also in mining investments. He noted that Trump’s wealth is built on real estate, and Turkey already has Trump Towers in Şişli, Istanbul.youtube
US Ambassador Connection: Yetkin highlighted the role of US Ambassador Tom Barak, who is based in Ankara but also responsible for Syria, and is known to be both Trump’s friend and business partner.youtube
Behind-the-Scenes Insights:
Yetkin suggested that the meeting involved “business discussions” rather than pure diplomacy, emphasizing Trump Jr.’s role in organizing his father’s commercial affairs, similar to how Bilal Erdoğan handles business matters for his father.youtube
Ruşen Çakır (Medyascope)
Ruşen Çakır, one of Turkey’s most respected political commentators with 227K subscribers on Medyascope TV, provided comprehensive analysis:
Boeing Controversy Analysis:
“Erdoğan ile Özel arasında Boeing polemiği: Kim haklı?” : Çakır noted that Erdoğan’s response to Özgür Özel’s allegations was unusually “timid denial” compared to his typically harsh reactions.youtube+1
Trump’s Confirmation: Çakır emphasized that Trump’s social media announcement about hosting Erdoğan and discussing “extensive Boeing aircraft sales” came shortly after Özel’s revelations, effectively confirming the opposition leader’s claims.medyascopeyoutube
Critical Questions Raised:
Çakır posed the most important question: “Who leaked these closed-door meeting details to Özgür Özel in such detail?”. He suggested two possibilities:youtube
Someone from Erdoğan’s side (very few people would know)
Someone from Trump or Trump Jr.’s sideyoutube
Either scenario would anger Erdoğan, according to Çakır’s analysis.youtube
Boeing’s Strategic Importance:
Çakır explained that Boeing is in serious crisis following consecutive plane crashes and needs new orders to recover. He noted Trump has taken on a mission to market Boeing aircraft, especially to Gulf countries.medyascopeyoutube
Serdar Akinan
Serdar Akinan, with 216K YouTube subscribers, offered sharp political analysis:
Power Dynamics Analysis:
“Erdoğan secured an appointment from Trump with the promise of Boeing” : Akinan characterized this as political dealing, suggesting Erdoğan offered concrete commitments to secure White House access.youtube
Authoritarian Cooperation Theory: In his analysis, Akinan suggested that Erdoğan is seeking Trump’s absolute support for his authoritarian consolidation. He argued that Erdoğan would tell Trump: “The opposition hates you, they hate your policies. If I go, you can’t negotiate anything with them. I will do whatever you want in the Middle East”.youtube
Strategic Implications:
Akinan warned about simultaneous developments, noting that while Erdoğan meets Trump on September 25, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Jolani) might also meet with Israeli representatives for a potential agreement. He suggested this represents a broader regional realignment orchestrated by the CIA.youtube
Financial Concerns:
Akinan questioned the logic of massive Boeing purchases given Turkey’s economic situation, asking rhetorically: “Have I ever seen someone who spends $3 billion per minute to meet with a friend?”youtube
Enhanced Analysis of Possible Outcomes
Domestic Political Ramifications
Legitimacy Crisis: All three analysts agreed that the secretive nature of the meeting damages Erdoğan’s credibility, particularly regarding his Palestinian solidarity claims. Çakır noted that this contradiction between public Palestinian support and private dealing with Trump’s family creates a significant political vulnerability.youtube
Opposition Strategy: Murat Yetkin observed that the opposition successfully forced the government into defensive mode, with multiple AKP officials rushing to provide explanations after initially remaining silent.youtube
International Relations Consequences
Transactional Diplomacy: Serdar Akinan warned that this represents a shift from “state diplomacy to palace diplomacy” where personal and family interests override national interests. He argued that traditional diplomatic protocols have been abandoned in favor of business-style negotiations.youtube
Regional Power Balance: Akinan’s analysis suggested that the meeting is part of a broader regional restructuring involving Syria, Israel, and Turkey, with the US orchestrating a new Middle East order.youtube
Economic and Defense Implications
Boeing Deal Reality: Çakır confirmed through Turkish Airlines sources that discussions are ongoing but not yet finalized, leaving room for the September 25 meeting to be decisive.medyascopeyoutube
Defense Technology Transfer: Murat Yetkin noted that beyond aircraft purchases, the meeting likely addressed F-16 and F-35 programs, as well as broader defense cooperation agreements.youtube
Conclusion: Expert Consensus
The three leading Turkish political analysts—Murat Yetkin, Ruşen Çakır, and Serdar Akinan—converge on several key points:
The meeting definitely occurred and involved substantial business discussions beyond “courtesy”
Trump’s public statements validated opposition claims about Boeing negotiations
The leak of meeting details represents a significant intelligence/political breach
This incident reflects a broader transformation in how Turkey conducts diplomacy
The September 25 White House meeting will be crucial for determining actual outcomes
Their collective analysis suggests that regardless of the meeting’s immediate results, it has already achieved significant political impact by exposing the gap between Erdoğan’s public positions and private diplomatic dealings, while potentially reshaping Turkey-US relations in the Trump era.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cawub8vxC7Q
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wO7-rxHviM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZXC2NN4fco
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h6TSnSCAgA
- https://medyascope.tv/2025/09/22/erdogan-ile-ozel-arasinda-boeing-polemigi-kim-hakli-video/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjsYZZsZgdI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeCOgJ1PMC0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXhFkYw8gdM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D753CN74TgA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMPsfvCvc8U
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN1VNAHm91g
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK80FRM5TWY
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Qe0QTN6eg
- https://www.youtube.com/@serdarakinan/videos
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2dULuYNHz0LVfqO5SFsgmw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=362I1NLAd7U
- https://www.youtube.com/@serdarakinan
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDu-_kBGaH0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpMK81n42_Q
- https://www.youtube.com/@serdarakinan/shorts
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2dULuYNHz0LVfqO5SFsgmw/videos
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDzyHR6rnz4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19UgwyaRy-g
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzA9UxofY_U
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwRYBqdHDSc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FrSUSmUe2c
- https://medyascope.tv/2025/09/22/devlet-bahcelinin-turkiye-rusya-cin-onerisi-video/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf–Z1cLCVY
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W73XDRADYE
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3GPsoAqz7so
- https://x.com/serdarakinan/status/1970115359702503760
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-QX_tt-Q8A
- https://www.youtube.com/c/MedyascopeTvOfficial
More YouTube Commentaries on Erdoğan’s Secret Meeting with Trump’s Son
Based on extensive research, here is a comprehensive overview of YouTube commentaries regarding the alleged secret meeting between President Erdoğan and Donald Trump Jr. in Istanbul:
The Allegations and Initial Revelations
The controversy began when CHP leader Özgür Özel revealed at a rally in Bahçelievler, Istanbul on September 17, 2025, that Donald Trump Jr. secretly met with President Erdoğan at the Dolmabahçe Palace working office on September 13, 2025. According to Özel’s claims, Trump Jr. was listed in the presidential log as an anonymous “businessman” without his name being recorded.
YouTube Commentary Analysis
Turkish Opposition Media Coverage
Halk TV provided detailed coverage with their video titled “Özel ifşa etmişti! Erdoğan-Trump Jr. arasındaki gizli” (Özel had exposed it! The secret between Erdoğan-Trump Jr.). The channel confirmed through presidential sources that Trump Jr.’s visit was described as a “courtesy visit” with no formal discussion on Gaza or other specific topics.youtube+1
Medya Penceresi released “THE MYSTERIOUS MEETING IN DOLMABAHÇE!” analyzing the secret meeting revealed by Özel. The commentary focused on allegations that the meeting involved negotiations about Gaza reconstruction and Syria’s redevelopment, going beyond what officials characterized as a simple courtesy visit.youtube
Meltem TV provided an extensive 33-minute analysis titled “Secret meeting between Erdoğan and Trump’s son!”. The commentary emphasized CHP’s claims that Erdoğan was willing to promise purchasing 300 Boeing aircraft from the US in exchange for securing a White House meeting with Trump.youtube
International Perspective Commentary
Tarik Toros offered English-language analysis in “Unseen Political Bribe: White House Meeting for 300 Boeings”. His commentary suggested this represented “a political bribe like never before,” alleging that Erdoğan offered to purchase 300 Boeing planes in exchange for a White House meeting. The analysis questioned whether Turkey’s budget could handle such a massive aircraft purchase.youtube
Government Response Coverage
Sözcü TV covered Erdoğan’s response extensively, with multiple videos showing his denial of the allegations. Erdoğan dismissed the claims, saying “The deaf cannot hear, so they make things up. This man keeps fabricating stories”.turkishminuteyoutube+1
Key Commentary Themes
Business vs. Political Motivations
YouTube commentators extensively debated whether the meeting was purely business-related or had deeper political implications. Odatv noted that Trump Jr. visited with “several like-minded businessmen”, while opposition commentators suggested it involved lobbying firms facilitating messages between Ankara and Washington.youtube+1medyascope
Gaza Context
Multiple Turkish commentators emphasized the Palestinian context, with Özel claiming: “While Palestine is bleeding, they are doing business with Trump’s son through lobbying companies”. Opposition media portrayed this as contradictory to Erdoğan’s public support for Palestinian causes.middleeasteye+2youtube
Aircraft Purchase Allegations
A central theme in YouTube commentary was the alleged promise to purchase 300 Boeing aircraft. Bloomberg’s confirmation that “Turkey could order more than 250 Boeing aircraft” added credibility to these claims according to opposition commentators.intellinewsyoutube
Possible Outcomes Discussed
Diplomatic Consequences
YouTube analysts discussed several potential outcomes:
Strengthened US-Turkey Relations: Some commentators suggested the meeting could lead to improved bilateral ties, particularly given Trump’s announcement of hosting Erdoğan at the White House on September 25, 2025.dailysabah+1
F-16 and F-35 Deal Progress: Military analysts on YouTube highlighted potential breakthroughs in Turkey’s long-stalled fighter jet acquisitions.youtube+1
Regional Role Enhancement: Turkish commentators discussed Turkey’s potential expanded role in Middle East diplomacy, particularly regarding Gaza reconstruction and Syrian affairs.setavyoutube
Domestic Political Impact
Opposition commentators emphasized potential domestic consequences:
Legitimacy Questions: CHP supporters used the allegations to question Erdoğan’s commitment to Palestinian causesyoutube+1
Transparency Issues: The secretive nature of the meeting became a rallying point for opposition criticismyoutube+1
Electoral Implications: Some analysts suggested this could impact AKP’s standing among conservative voters who support Palestinian causesyoutube
European Media Attention
Forum Hafta Sonu highlighted that European media was also covering the Erdoğan-Trump Jr. meeting story, indicating international interest in the allegations. This suggests the controversy extended beyond Turkish domestic politics.youtube
- https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/09/18/main-opposition-leader-claims-trumps-son-met-with-erdogan-in-istanbul-for-secret-talks/
- https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/donald-trump-junior-secretly-met-turkeys-erdogan
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt97KobsZFg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkLExrz849A
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW8HWc5taHA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJgbcWa9eDU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KrhtqO9unk
- https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/09/22/erdogan-rejects-claim-of-bargaining-with-trumps-son-to-secure-meeting-with-us-president/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEkmmtX8zCQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llESsAbaltI
- https://medyascope.tv/2025/09/18/turkish-opposition-says-erdogan-working-with-trump-jr/
- https://www.intellinews.com/erdogan-accused-of-securing-trump-white-house-meeting-with-promise-to-buy-300-boeing-jets-402435/
- https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/trump-erdogan-to-discuss-turkiye-us-ties-in-meeting-at-white-house
- https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-says-host-turkeys-erdogan-white-house-sept-25-2025-09-19/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI_yRZ8cGY
- https://www.setav.org/en/how-will-turkiye-us-relations-evolve-in-the-trump-era
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwRYBqdHDSc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2PxlrK6Fc0
- https://sana.sy/en/international/2268544/
- https://www.newarab.com/news/turkey-ends-some-tariffs-us-ahead-erdogan-trump-meeting
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkish-president-to-discuss-trade-defense-ties-with-trump-at-white-house-next-week/3693102
- https://www.iletisim.gov.tr/english/haberler/detay/statement-regarding-president-erdogans-meeting-with-us-president-trump
- https://www.instagram.com/middleeasteye/p/DOyCKNPjJY9/
- https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-says-it-is-ending-additional-tariffs-some-us-imports-2025-09-22/
- https://www.intellinews.com/erdogan-secretly-hosted-donald-trump-jr-at-istanbul-palace-claims-opposition-leader-401958/
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-22/turkey-scraps-retaliatory-us-tariffs-before-key-trump-meeting
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkiye-in-talks-with-trump-his-team-on-regional-crises-president-erdogan/3695573
- https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/895099
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkiye-is-in-talks-with-trump-his-team-on-regional-crises-president-erdogan/3695573
- https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250919-trump-to-welcome-turkey-s-erdogan-sees-end-to-warplane-row
- https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/erdogan-to-discuss-every-step-taken-in-middle-east-with-trump
- https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R44000
- https://reopen.media/en-gb/articles/donald-trump-jr-held-secret-meeting-with-erdogan
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7rTl8rDHNU
- https://eualive.net/donald-trump-jr-s-undisclosed-meeting-with-turkeys-erdogan-sparks-controversy/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgB0jAsTsuE
- https://newsaboutturkey.com/2025/09/18/chp-leader-claims-trumps-son-met-erdogan-no-official-confirmation-yet/
- https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/turkish-opposition-leader-accuses-erdogan-of-secret-gaza-talks-with-trumps-son-3207122
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV1qTqgt9So
- https://ankahaber.net/haber/detay/ozel_claims_erdogan_hosted_trumps_son_in_istanbul_amid_gaza_war_262177
- https://www.paturkey.com/news/2025/ozgur-ozel-alleges-erdogan-negotiated-gaza-deal-with-donald-trumps-son-akp-denies-claim-23507/
- https://news.am/eng/news/905294.html
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/psipSGsxWh0
- https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cq8ee35vj50o
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM8WVvcRzIo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxUULPpriaI
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PbplxQP6znc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBWzLHj2JSI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H1Fe2TjqdQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4SlKs4vKk
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCBM2eDSCU0
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN5nERfDdTM/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg4o50g7otQ
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMUJrLKVagQ-tS7KvhGeO0bZzhi0NilEB
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/trumps-gaza-displacement-plan-unacceptable-turkish-foreign-minister/3472512
- https://en.yenisafak.com/news/turkiye-is-in-talks-with-trump-his-team-on-regional-crises-president-erdogan-3708322
- https://ecfr.eu/article/nato-gaza-and-the-future-of-us-turkish-relations/
- https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-ed/how-will-turkiye-us-relations-evolve-in-the-trump-era
- http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/policy-briefs/external-constraints-about-face-turkish-position-gaza
- https://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/728-turkey-cautiously-optimistic-for-trump%E2%80%99s-second-term.html
- https://www.iletisim.gov.tr/english/dis_basinda_turkiye/detay/turkish-president-blasts-trumps-gaza-proposal
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/quickest-way-to-end-suffering-in-gaza-is-reaching-conclusion-in-talks-turkish-foreign-minister/3669062
- https://www.intellinews.com/turkey-a-big-winner-in-trump-tariffs-outcome-says-ankara-375191/
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/5/world-reaction-to-trumps-comments-on-ethnic-cleansing-in-gaza
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/donald-trump-jr-says-father-183009026.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjiCpSmhLb8
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