Intel: How the release of a US pastor improves Turkey’s standing with Trump
A Turkish court ordered the release of a US citizen today, giving President Donald Trump a victory to tout ahead of congressional elections in November. Although the court convicted evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson on charges of aiding multiple terrorist organizations, it sentenced him to time served, paving the way for his return home.
“PASTOR BRUNSON JUST RELEASED. WILL BE HOME SOON!” Trump tweeted in response to the news.
Why it matters: Brunson’s release has been a cause celebrate for Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who have used it to fire up their evangelical base. After Turkey failed to release Brunson in July, Trump sanctioned two Turkish Cabinet members and doubled steel and aluminum tariffs on Ankara, exacerbating the lira’s downward slide. Now Trump has another win he can use to help boost Republican voter turnout in an election where embattled Republicans look increasingly likely to lose the House.
The Brunson affair has also contributed to Turkey’s bipartisan unpopularity in Congress, which is threatening to remove Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet production program. Lawmakers are also considering legislation to cut Turkey off from certain international lending streams.
