American lawmakers across the party lines are up in arms against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the United States. Rep. Michael McCaul, the top Republican member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned Erdogan ahead of the protests that "it is imperative that all representatives of the Turkish government respect the United States' laws, notably the right to peacefully protest. The American people will not tolerate visitors disregarding our laws." Turkey has taken numerous actions that harm NATO, McCaul said, which include "their purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system; spurious charges against US Embassy staff; and rampant jailing of journalists." "President Erdogan must reverse course and recommit to NATO and our bilateral partnership," he added. McCaul's stinging rebuke to Erdogan follows a strong letter of protest written by 17 lawmakers urging the US president to disinvite the Turkish president. In their letter, the lawmakers stated that Turkey's invasion of northern Syria has had "disastrous consequences for US national security," expressing their "deep concern" over the planned trip. Earlier, in an interview on Sunday, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said Trump plans to confront Erdogan during his White House visit over the purchase of the S-400 and warned Turkey will "feel the impact" of sanctions if it keeps the platform. — Agencies
