In a recent interview with Iltalehti, former Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja expressed harsh criticisms of the Finnish government's approach toward the United States, particularly accusing it of being overly accommodating to Donald Trump. Tuomioja called into question the reliability of the White House and suggested that Finland should attempt to nullify its fighter jet purchase agreements with the USA. His statements have stirred significant debate within Finland's political circles, especially among members of the Social Democratic Party, to which he belongs.

The current SDP member of Parliament and long-standing member of the Defense Committee, Mika Kari, has responded to Tuomioja's remarks, dismissing the idea of canceling the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. Kari emphasized that such considerations are neither feasible nor necessary, reiterating the pre-existing commitment Finland made to acquire the jets. He pointed out that terminating contracts would incur substantial costs and would raise critical questions about the future of Finland's air defense capabilities.

Kari's response reflects a broader internal conflict within the SDP regarding defense policy and foreign relations, particularly in light of Finland's strategic alignment with NATO and dependence on the US for military equipment. This situation highlights the tensions within the party about the balance between criticism of US policies and the practicalities of military agreements that are already in motion, revealing the complexities of Finnish foreign policy in a shifting international landscape.