The Turkish government hired a lobbying firm with close ties to US President Donald Trump in early August, in a renewed effort to bolster its influence in Washington and advance its interests with the American administration. According to documents filed with the US Department of Justice and revealed by Middle East Eye, Turkey signed a one-year agreement worth $2.4 million with the firm Ballard Partners. The firm, led by Brian Ballard—a powerful Republican operative and fundraiser in Florida—maintains close ties to Donald Trump, with Ballard having also participated in the American president's campaign. The contract was signed on August 8 with the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, with Ballard Partners receiving $200,000 per month.
F-35s take center stage
Under the terms of the agreement, Ballard Partners undertakes to provide the Turkish side with government relations, strategic advisory, and lobbying services targeted at the US federal government. Simultaneously, the firm will keep Ankara informed about developments in Congress and shifts in American foreign policy. The selection of this specific firm is by no means coincidental. Turkey seeks to return to the F-35 fighter program, from which it was removed in 2019 following Ankara's decision to procure the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system. At the same time, Turkey wants to take delivery of six F-35 jets that were manufactured for the Turkish armed forces but have remained stored in the US for years.
Not the first time Ankara collaborates with Ballard Partners
This new agreement does not mark the first collaboration between Turkey and Ballard Partners. In 2017, during Donald Trump's first presidential term, Turkey hired the firm under a $1.5 million contract. It was one of the first major accounts for Ballard Partners in Washington following the opening of its office in the US capital. During that period, the firm reportedly focused on the case of Halkbank, the Turkish state bank that had been indicted in the US for violating Iran sanctions. The Trump administration withdrew the charges against the bank earlier this year. The new contract differs from the previous one, as the primary client this time is the Turkish Defense Ministry, highlighting the importance Ankara attaches to defense cooperation with Washington.
Turkey considers selling the S-400
Ankara is simultaneously attempting to find a way out of the deadlock created by the Russian S-400 missile system. According to a report by Middle East Eye last month, Turkey is considering selling the S-400 system to a third country—possibly the United Arab Emirates—in order to convince Washington to lift the sanctions imposed on Ankara. This move could represent a critical step toward a US-Turkey defense rapprochement. Rejoining the F-35 program remains a major strategic goal for the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as Ankara seeks to strengthen its position within the American and Western defense architecture.
Trump's allies in the Turkish lobbying team
According to US Department of Justice filings, the Ballard Partners team assigned to Turkey includes individuals with powerful Washington political connections. Among them is former Democratic Representative Robert Wexler from Florida. Wexler is considered a staunch advocate of US-Turkey relations and in 2001 co-founded the Congressional Caucus on US-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans. He also serves as president of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace in Washington and maintains strong ties with pro-Israel politicians and organizations.
Thomas Boodry: From the White House to Ballard Partners
The team also includes Thomas Boodry, who previously served as a special assistant to Donald Trump and senior director of legislative affairs at the National Security Council. Boodry remained in his post until April 2025, when he was removed from the administration. His departure occurred amid the removal of former US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Reports from that period indicated that Trump dismissed Boodry and five other officials shortly after a meeting with right-wing activist Laura Loomer. Loomer reportedly presented the American president with background information on several administration aides, claiming they were not loyal to him.
Syl Lukis also joins the team
Also participating in the team handling the Turkish account is Syl Lukis, a senior partner at Ballard Partners and one of Brian Ballard's closest associates. The composition of the team reflects Ankara's effort to leverage individuals with direct access to the US political system and specifically the White House. Selecting a firm with such strong connections to Trump's inner circle demonstrates the weight Turkey places on lobbying as a tool for foreign policy execution.
Over $30 million in revenue in a single quarter
Ballard Partners has grown into one of the most powerful lobbying firms in Washington. According to data cited by Bloomberg, former firm executives include White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. During the first quarter of 2026 alone, Ballard Partners registered over $30 million in federal lobbying revenue, surpassing any other firm operating on Washington's famed K Street.
Ankara bets on access to Trump
The new agreement effectively reveals Turkey's strategic choice to invest heavily in gaining political influence in Washington to overcome major hurdles in US relations. The primary objectives remain rejoining the F-35 jet program, taking delivery of the six Turkish aircraft held in storage in the US, and resolving the S-400 issue. By partnering with Ballard Partners, Ankara aims to secure direct access to a network of insiders who know firsthand how the Trump administration operates. The question now is whether the $2.4 million Turkey will pay over the coming year will prove sufficient to unlock its return to the F-35 program and alter the balance of US-Turkey relations.
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