Trump says US to pay Turkey 'nothing' for release of jailed pastor

The Trump administration has said Turkey could face additional sanctions if he isn't quickly released
Friday, 17 August 2018 15:14

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States "will pay nothing" to Turkey for the release of detained American pastor Andrew Brunson.

"Turkey has taken advantage of the United States for many years," Trump said via Twitter on Thursday.

"They are now holding our wonderful Christian Pastor, who I must now ask to represent our Country as a great patriot hostage. We will pay nothing for the release of an innocent man, but we are cutting back on Turkey!"

Brunson has been detained on espionage and terrorism-related charges.

The Trump administration has said Turkey could face additional sanctions if he isn't quickly released.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin assured Trump at a Cabinet meeting that sanctions were ready to be put in place if Brunson was not freed.

"We have more that we are planning to do if they don't release him quickly," Mnuchin said during the meeting.

The lira lost strength after Mnuchin's remarks.