Former Vice President Mike Pence is publicly pushing back against President Donald Trump's plan to ease sanctions on Turkey and let Ankara back into the F-35 program. His message? This would be a serious mistake for U.S., Israeli, and NATO security.

On Tuesday, Pence took to X to share a Fox News report on Trump's intentions and added his own blunt warning. "Lifting U.S. sanctions imposed after Turkey acquired the Russian S-400 missile system in 2017 and clearing the way to provide Turkey F-35 fighter jets would be a strategic mistake, undermining the security of the United States, Israel and NATO," Pence wrote. He ended with a direct plea: "Mr. President, Please Don't."

The controversy stems from Trump's recent meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a NATO summit. During that meeting, Trump said his administration planned to lift sanctions on Turkey's defense sector. "I can tell you we're going to be taking the sanctions off," Trump said. "I don't want him to waste his time answering that question. It's time. We don't sanction friends."

Trump also indicated he was open to allowing Turkey to buy F-35 jets, despite long-standing concerns over Ankara's ownership of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. "Many people, including the people sitting right here think why wouldn't we do that?" Trump said. He added, "Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal."

The F-35 issue has been a flashpoint for years. After Turkey purchased the S-400 system in 2017, the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program and imposed sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The concern is that the S-400, a Russian system, could be used to gather intelligence on the F-35's stealth capabilities, compromising the jet for all NATO members.

Pence isn't the only one raising red flags. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged Trump not to approve the move, citing security concerns for Israel as well.

Meanwhile, NATO allies are ramping up defense spending. On Monday, they announced tens of billions of dollars in defense deals in Turkey, including plans to invest more than $40 billion in anti-drone capabilities over five years. The moves follow U.S. pressure for higher European defense spending amid concerns over Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. The announcements included purchases involving major defense companies like Northrop Grumman, Saab, and Lockheed Martin.

So the stage is set for a potential clash within the administration. Trump seems ready to bring Turkey back into the fold, but Pence and others are warning that the cost—in terms of security and trust—could be too high.