Former U.S. President Donald Trump has distanced himself from two of his senior political advisers following revelations of their paid consultancy work for the government of Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trump addressed the issue by stating that Chris LaCivita, who co-managed his 2024 presidential campaign, and James Blair, a former deputy chief of staff at the White House, operate as independent consultants and are not directly employed by him outside that capacity.
Reports have surfaced indicating that LaCivita and Blair were engaged by the Republika Srpska government, providing political assistance ahead of recent local elections. The two advisers, who have long-standing connections with Trump, reportedly received significant compensation for their consultancy work.
Trump emphasized that while his advisers are free to take on other clients, he plans to scrutinize their external engagements to ensure there are no conflicts of interest. This move comes amid growing concerns over the potential implications of LaCivita and Blair’s roles with a foreign government while remaining influential figures in U.S. political circles.
LaCivita has been a key figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign efforts, while Blair, who is currently on leave from his White House duties, is actively involved in supporting Republican candidates for the upcoming midterm elections. Trump has previously indicated that Blair is expected to return to the White House following the elections.
The situation raises pertinent questions about the extent to which political advisers should engage in international consulting activities while maintaining domestic political commitments. The controversy underscores the complexities faced by political operatives who juggle roles across different spheres of influence.
