Trump and Erdogan discuss possibility of opening theological school in Halki

Trump and Erdogan. Photo: Evan Vucci

On September 26, 2025, during a meeting at the White House, the presidents of the USA and Turkey, Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, touched upon the issue of reopening the Orthodox theological school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Halki. Religious topics were discussed alongside negotiations on military-technical cooperation.

"We have the opportunity today to discuss some issues regarding the F-35, F-16, as well as the hotspot case. And, based on what you mentioned regarding the Halki school, we are ready to do whatever we can that falls on our part. And whe I get back, I'll try to discuss this issue with the esteemed Mr. Bartholomew to decide how we can move forward on that," stated Erdogan.

Trump confirmed his interest in resolving the issues of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: "The Greek Orthodox Church was here and they would really like to have some help. They need some help and
I said I'd mention it."

The theological school in Halki was closed by Turkish authorities in 1971. The issue of its reopening has been repeatedly raised during international negotiations as a symbol of religious freedom and the rights of the Orthodox minority in Turkey.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew praised Trump for his efforts towards peace in Ukraine at the White House.

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