Trump-connected lobby firm signs FETO-linked group

By Hakan Copur and Canberk Yuksel

NEW YORK (AA) - A Washington, D.C.-based group linked to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) has retained a lobbying firm close to the Donald Trump administration.

Gotham Government Relations & Communications signed FETO-linked Washington Strategy Group, Gotham has confirmed to Anadolu Agency via email.

According to a Politico report, the New York lobby group signed its first foreign client for a retainer fee of $50,000 and $20,000 a month thereafter.

Gotham touts itself as being close to the Trump administration, and helped then-candidate Trump make his campaign announcement for the Oval Office in 2015, Politico reported.

Turkey accuses FETO of orchestrating a coup attempt on July 15, 2016, which resulted in 249 deaths and thousands of injuries, as well as the bombing of vital government buildings including the parliament.

FETO is also accused of infiltrating state institutions in a bid to overthrow the Turkish government.