Trump pressures new Czech PM over F-35s
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Donald Trump pressures Czech Republic's new PM Andrej Babiš to stick with the F-35 fighter jet deal approved by the previous government. #Czechia #F35
Donald Trump is putting pressure on Czech Republic's newly appointed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš regarding a deal to purchase American F-35 fighter jets. Babiš had previously expressed intentions to reconsider the agreement.
Trump took to Truth Social to express his expectations for Babiš, stating, "It is great to see Andrej Babiš appointed again as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. Together, we will once again achieve Great Success on Defense, Energy, and Illegal Immigration — Just as we have done during our First Terms in Office."
He added, "Andrej knows how to get Deals done, and I expected incredible things from him, including on F-35s. Congratulations Andrej!" Babiš responded to the message by telling journalists he was "glad" to receive the congratulations.
The previous Czech government, led by Petr Fiala, had approved the acquisition of 24 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. in 2023. Babiš's ANO party campaigned against the purchase, with Babiš himself calling the jets "useless and overpriced." ANO's election manifesto advocated for "reasonable investments in defense" and pledged to "reconsider costly acquisitions," specifically mentioning the U.S.-made F-35s.
Prior to his October victory, there was uncertainty about whether Babiš would risk upsetting Trump by potentially cancelling the deal. Babiš, like Trump, is a billionaire and has adopted similar rhetoric, even sporting a "Strong Czechia" baseball cap reminiscent of Trump's style. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. recent statements suggest a more practical approach.
Karel Havlíček, ANO's deputy chairman, stated in November that "The purchase of American F-35 aircraft is a done deal, but everything must be done to ensure maximum involvement of Czech industry."
Other countries, including Spain, Switzerland, and Canada, have also expressed reservations about purchasing the American F-35s, partly due to concerns over the Trump administration's stance towards Europe, including questioning NATO's commitment to collective defense.
