Turkey hires Trump-linked lobbying firm for F-35 campaign

Turkey's Ministry of National Defense has signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with Ballard Partners, a Washington-based lobbying firm with close ties to Donald Trump, to advance its interests in the United States.

According to U.S. Department of Justice filings, the agreement, signed on August 8, involves monthly payments of $200,000. Ballard Partners will provide strategic consulting, government relations, and advocacy services, while keeping Ankara informed on U.S. Congressional developments and political shifts.

The primary objective of this campaign is to secure Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was removed from the program in 2019 following its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, which U.S. officials argued posed a security risk to the stealth technology of the F-35.

Led by Brian Ballard, a prominent Republican fundraiser and Trump campaign veteran, the firm has previously worked for Turkey in 2017 on matters related to Halkbank. The current team includes figures such as former Democratic Representative Robert Wexler and Thomas Bundry, a former special assistant to Trump.