Former U.S. President Donald Trump has distanced himself from two senior political advisers following reports of their involvement with the government of Republika Srpska, a Serb-majority entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Chris LaCivita, a co-manager of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, and James Blair, a former White House deputy chief of staff, reportedly worked as paid consultants for Republika Srpska.
Trump clarified that LaCivita and Blair are independent consultants not directly employed by him apart from their advisory roles. While acknowledging their right to work for other clients, Trump stated he would review their outside activities to ensure no conflicts of interest arise.
The two advisers allegedly traveled to Republika Srpska to provide political assistance ahead of local elections, receiving substantial payment for their services. Both have longstanding political ties with Trump and are involved in supporting Republican candidates for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Amid concerns about potential conflicts between their roles in the U.S. and their work with a foreign government, Trump has expressed his intention to examine the situation further. LaCivita has been a significant figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign, while Blair, currently on leave from the White House, works on Republican election efforts. Trump has previously indicated that Blair would return to the White House following the midterms.
This situation raises questions about the consulting activities of political advisers closely linked to Trump’s political operations, especially those maintaining connections to government roles. Trump’s decision to scrutinize their activities underscores the potential implications these external engagements could have on his political agenda.