Lobbyist Registry
LobbyistFARA registeredForeign government clientsDefense procurement

Brian Ballard

Ballard Partners

Disclosed lobbying
$20M+ in disclosed federal lobbying (2023 LD-2 filings)
01 · The bio

Who they are.

Founder of Ballard Partners and one of the top-grossing lobbyists in Washington since 2017. Long-time Trump fundraiser in Florida; opened a DC office after the 2016 election and rapidly became a destination shop for foreign governments, defense companies, and corporate clients seeking access to the Trump orbit. Ballard Partners' lobbying revenue surged again in the run-up to Trump's 2025 return to office.

Foreign government clientsDefense procurementTrump-orbit accessFlorida politics
02 · Who they work for

The clients.

Republic of Turkey
2017-2021
Government of Qatar (various entities)
2017-present
GEO Group (private prisons)
2017-present
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
Disclosed in LD-2 filings (multiple years)
04 · FARA status

Registered foreign agent.

Registered
Yes
Country / principal
First filed
2017

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires US-based lobbyists and PR firms to disclose work done on behalf of foreign governments or political principals. Filings are public via the DOJ National Security Division.

05 · The receipts

Sources.

06 · Frequently asked

Questions about Brian Ballard.

What is Ballard Partners?

Ballard Partners is a Florida-based lobbying firm founded by Brian Ballard. After opening its DC office in 2017, it became one of the top-revenue lobby shops in Washington, with a client list that includes foreign governments, defense companies, private prisons, and corporate clients seeking access to the Trump administration.

Has Ballard Partners lobbied for foreign governments?

Yes. The firm has filed FARA registrations representing the Republic of Turkey and entities tied to Qatar, among others. FARA filings are searchable via the DOJ National Security Division's public database.

Is Brian Ballard a registered foreign agent?

Several of Ballard Partners' contracts have required FARA registration because the firm represented foreign principals. Brian Ballard himself is listed on multiple FARA short-form filings tied to those engagements.

07 · Keep going

Related coverage.