Çömez reacts to Ministry of National Defense over 'American lobby': Why is 2.4 million dollars being paid?

In a post on his social media account, Turhan Çömez alleged that the Ministry of National Defense has entered into a "lobbying agreement" with the US-based company Ballard Partners.

Stating that the agreement is for 2.4 million dollars for one year of activities, Çömez noted that this figure corresponds to approximately 115 million Turkish Lira.

Çömez claimed that in addition to the aforementioned fee, the company's travel and meal expenses would also be covered by the Ministry, stating, "Is this money not a waste?"

"A company close to Trump"

Drawing attention to Ballard Partners' proximity to US President Donald Trump, Çömez argued that the company had taken part in Trump's election campaigns and had also conducted lobbying activities in the US for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraq.

In his post, Çömez highlighted these connections and demanded an explanation as to the purpose of the agreement.

Questions on S-400, F-16, and F-35

Çömez also raised a series of questions regarding the scope of the agreement.

Emphasizing that Turkey has the second-largest army in NATO, Çömez questioned why the Ministry of National Defense is making payments of this scale to a lobbying firm operating in the US, which possesses the largest army in NATO.

Çömez asked whether the agreement was linked to issues such as the sale of S-400s, the modernization of F-16s, or Turkey's potential re-inclusion in the F-35 program.

Also posing the question, "Or is it for another purpose?", Çömez demanded that the justification and scope of the agreement be disclosed to the public.

????They are pouring money into American lobbying firms!
??Now the Ministry of National Defense too!
??They have made a "lobbying agreement" with the company Ballard Partners.
????The company is close to Trump, it organized his campaigns.
??It has also conducted lobbying activities in the US for the PUK, that is, Talabani.
??A… https://t.co/sPMjTYdmQM pic.twitter.com/JPjaLEMDeI

— Turhan Çömez (@ComezTurhan) August 27, 2026

Directed "detailed questions" to Minister Güler

Çömez announced that he had directed "detailed questions" regarding the matter to Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, who is a signatory to the agreement.

The İYİ Party deputy stated that he expects most of his questions to remain unanswered, but emphasized the importance of putting the matter on the record nonetheless.

"Future generations will hold them accountable"

Çömez delivered harsh messages at the end of his post.

Arguing that the expenditures made and decisions taken will be questioned in the future, Çömez stated, "Everything will be recorded, and future generations will question these and hold them accountable."

News Source: 12punto