Turkey's Defense Ministry Signs $2.4 Million Lobbying Deal with US Firm Linked to Trump

Turkey's Ministry of National Defense has entered into a significant lobbying agreement with a U.S.-based firm, Ballard Partners, for services valued at $2.4 million over one year. The revelation came from İYİ Party lawmaker Turhan Çömez, who disclosed the details of the contract, which is set to run from August 15, 2026, to August 14, 2027.

Çömez highlighted that Ballard Partners is known for its close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump, having been involved in his campaigns. The firm has also reportedly conducted lobbying activities in the U.S. for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraq. The contract stipulates a monthly payment of $200,000 to Ballard Partners, with the Ministry of National Defense also covering reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses, including hotel, flight tickets, vehicle services, and meals.

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They are pouring money into American lobbying firms! Now the Ministry of National Defense! They have made a 'lobbying agreement' with Ballard Partners. The company is close to Trump, it organized his campaigns. It also did lobbying activities in the US for the PUK, meaning Talabani. $2.4 million will be paid for one year of activity. That is 115 million TL. Excluding expenses, we don't know how much we will give them. Their travel and meal expenses will also be covered by the Ministry of National Defense.

Expressing strong criticism, Çömez questioned the rationale behind such a substantial expenditure. "They are pouring money into American lobbying firms! Now the Ministry of National Defense!" he stated, emphasizing Turkey's position as the second-largest army within NATO. He posed the question: "Why would our Ministry of National Defense pay such a large sum to a lobbying company of the largest army in NATO?"

Çömez speculated on the potential reasons for the contract, including facilitating the purchase of F-16 modernization, acquiring F-35 fighter jets, or other unspecified objectives. He indicated that he had submitted detailed questions to the Minister of National Defense, Güler, regarding the agreement, expressing confidence that many would remain unanswered but would be recorded for future accountability. The lawmaker concluded by stating that the country is spending vast sums on lobbying firms, questioning the value and necessity of such contracts.

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Don't we have the second-largest army in NATO? Why would our Ministry of National Defense pay such a large sum to a lobbying company of the largest army in NATO?