Trump Thanks Turkey for Brunson’s Release, Denies Making Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump escorts Pastor Andrew Brunson, released from Turkish detention, and his wife Norine, along the Colonnade to a welcoming ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington on Oct. 13, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Theiler

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said the release of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson after two years in Turkish custody was a “tremendous step” toward improved relations with Turkey, but he denied cutting a deal with Ankara.

“The only deal, if you could call it a deal, is a psychological one. We feel much differently about Turkey today than we did yesterday, and I think we have a chance of really becoming much closer to Turkey,” Trump told reporters Oct. 13 during an Oval Office meeting with Brunson.