Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has caused a stir at the NATO summit in Washington by presenting engraved pistols and bullets to several allied leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The gifts, which were handed out during the 75th anniversary gathering, have drawn criticism from arms control advocates and some European diplomats.
Gifts Given to Multiple Leaders
According to Turkish officials, Erdogan gave the customized weapons to Biden, Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Each pistol bore a gold inscription of the recipient's name and the NATO logo. The gifts also included a box of bullets engraved with the alliance's symbol.
The Turkish presidency confirmed the gifts, stating they were "symbolic tokens reflecting the strong bonds among allies." However, several recipients were reportedly taken aback. A UK government source said Starmer accepted the gift but would not keep it, adding that it would be handed over to police for disposal.
Reactions and Criticism
The gesture has been condemned by campaign groups. "Handing out guns at a summit meant to discuss peace and security is tone-deaf," said Sarah Patton of the Campaign to Stop Gun Violence. "It glorifies firearms at a time when the US is grappling with mass shootings."
European diplomats expressed discomfort. One EU official described it as "unusual and inappropriate," while a German spokesperson declined to comment, saying only that Scholz "accepts gifts in line with protocol."
Context of the Summit
The NATO summit, held from July 9-11, 2026, focused on the war in Ukraine, defense spending, and the alliance's future. Erdogan's gift-giving comes amid tensions with some NATO members over Turkey's delayed ratification of Sweden's membership and its military operations in Syria.
This is not the first time Erdogan has used symbolic gifts. In 2018, he gave Turkish-made pistols to world leaders at a summit in Istanbul. Critics say the practice undermines efforts to promote disarmament.
Turkey's Stance on Firearms
Turkey has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe, with an estimated 16 million firearms in civilian hands. The government has faced criticism for lax gun laws. President Erdogan himself is an avid hunter and has been photographed shooting rifles.
The gifting of bullets also raised eyebrows. "Bullets are not typical diplomatic gifts," said Dr. Helen Fisher, a security analyst. "They carry a clear message of militarism at a time when the alliance is trying to project unity and restraint."
Official Responses
The White House confirmed Biden received the gift but said it would be "handled according to standard procedures for gifts to the president." The US Secret Service declined to comment on security implications. Greece's Mitsotakis reportedly returned the pistol, citing policy against accepting weapons.
The Turkish presidency defended the gifts, saying they were "a sign of respect and friendship." A spokesperson added: "Turkey is a proud NATO member with a strong defense industry. The gifts highlight our capabilities."
