Open Mic Catches Turkish Journalist: ‘We Got Nothing from Trump’

An open microphone incident has sparked controversy in Turkey after a prominent journalist was caught on camera making blunt remarks about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Hussein Gunay, NTV’s Washington correspondent, was recorded saying the talks yielded no benefits for Turkey, claiming sarcastically that they ‘got our asses kicked’ instead. The heated off-air exchange, captured by an AP camera outside the White House, also revealed internal power struggles within Erdogan’s inner circle. Gunay spoke of tensions between Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Erdogan’s son-in-law and son, suggesting a fierce rivalry is unfolding ahead of Erdogan’s eventual departure from power. He added that the U.S. imposed conditions, including halting Russian gas imports and Chinese trade, while pushing Turkey to support Palestine—demands Ankara cannot meet. The comments caused a stir in Turkey, leading to Gunay’s dismissal. The incident highlights growing frustration among Turkish media over foreign policy outcomes and succession politics within the ruling elite.