Turkey hires Trump-linked lobbyist Ballard for $2.4m

Turkey’s defence ministry signed a $2.4 million year‑long agreement with Washington‑based Ballard Partners, according to filings with the Justice Department.

Contract details and payment terms

The firm will receive $200,000 each month for government‑relations services, strategic consulting and advocacy. It will also track congressional activity that could affect Ankara’s interests.

Payments begin on 15 August 2026 and continue through 14 August 2027. Any extra costs, such as travel or research fees, will be billed to the Turkish defence ministry.

Possible focus on fighter jet procurement

Because the agreement involves the defence ministry, analysts suspect the work may aim to promote F‑35 fighter jet sales. No official source confirmed that aim.

Turkey participated in the F‑35 program for about a decade before the United States removed it after Ankara bought Russia’s S‑400 missile system. The ban on acquiring the jets has remained in place.

President Donald Trump recently suggested the ban could be lifted, but many members of Congress oppose any change. Israel, which operates its own F‑35 fleet, has also voiced strong objections.

Earlier lobbying work

Back in 2017, the same lobbying outfit secured a $1.5 million deal with the Turkish government, followed by a $0.75 million renewal in 2018. Those contracts were tied to easing fallout from a U.S. sanctions case against Halkbank, a state‑run lender.

The US Justice Department under the Trump administration ultimately dropped the charges against the bank in June.

Research by Courthouse News showed Turkish lobbying spend in Washington jumped from $1.7 million in 2014 to $7.3 million in 2018, with the firm among the top recipients.

Team assembled to handle the engagement

The lobby shop has put together a bipartisan staff. It includes former Democratic congressman Robert Wexler, who co‑founded the Congressional Caucus on U.S.–Turkey Relations and maintains close ties to pro‑Israel groups.

Also on the roster is Thomas Boodry, a former special assistant to Trump and senior director for legislative affairs at the National Security Council. He left the White House in April 2025 after a purge triggered by far‑right activist Laura Loomer.

Syl Lukis, a senior partner and longtime associate of Brian Ballard, will provide additional counsel.

Lobbying helps governments overcome export hurdles.

When a country seeks advanced weapons, it often must manage complex export controls and congressional sentiment. A well‑placed lobbying team can shape narratives, address concerns, and keep lines of communication open, which is especially valuable after prior sanctions have strained relations.

Ballard’s team will monitor policy shifts and report back to Ankara, ensuring the ministry stays aware of any legislative moves that could affect future deals.

The arrangement’s end date, 14 August 2027, marks the final day of the agreed‑upon services unless the parties extend the engagement.