Read: Trump's bizarre letter to Erdoğan: "Don't be a fool!"

In the letter, Trump urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to make a deal with the U.S. on Syria

Published October 16, 2019 6:29PM (EDT)

Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan (AP Photos/Salon)
Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan (AP Photos/Salon)

President Donald Trump wrote a letter last week to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, urging him to make a deal with the United States to avoid a humanitarian crisis in Syria.

The letter, obtained by Fox Business reporter Trish Regan, is dated October 9. It begins: "Let's work out a good deal! You don't want to be responsible for slaughtering thousands of people, and I don't want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy — and I will."

Trump concludes the letter by writing, "Don't be a tough guy. Don’t be a fool! I will call you later."

Read the full text of the letter below.

Dear Mr. President,

Let's work out a good deal! You don't want to be responsible for slaughtering thousands of people, and I don't want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy—and I will. I've already given you a little sample with respect to Pastor Brunson.

I have worked hard to solve some of your problems. Don't let the world down. You can make a great deal. General Mazloum is willing to negotiate with you, and he is willing to make concessions that they would never have made in the past. I am confidentially enclosing a copy of his letter to me, just received.

History will look upon you favorably if you get this done the right and humane way. It will look upon you forever as the devil if good things don't happen. Don't be a tough guy. Don't be a fool!

I will call you later.

Sincerely,

Donald Trump


By Shira Tarlo

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All Salon Brief Donald Trump Fox Business News & Politics Recep Tayyip Erdogan Trish Regan