Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to distance himself from two of his senior political advisers following reports of their involvement with the government of Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The advisers in question, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, have been identified as paid consultants for the region’s government, prompting Trump to clarify their roles within his political operations.
Trump stated that LaCivita, who co-managed his 2024 presidential campaign, and Blair, a former White House deputy chief of staff, are independent consultants who do not work directly for him other than in their consulting capacity. He emphasized that while they are allowed to take on other clients, he would review their external engagements to ensure no conflicts of interest arise.
The revelations come after reports that LaCivita and Blair traveled to Republika Srpska to provide political assistance ahead of local elections. Both advisers have long-standing ties with Trump and are actively engaged in supporting Republican candidates for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Questions have emerged regarding the potential conflict between the advisers’ work for a foreign government and their political roles within the United States. LaCivita has played a significant role in Trump’s campaign activities, while Blair, currently on leave, is involved in Republican election efforts and is expected to return to the White House post-midterms.
This situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of political advisers’ consulting activities, especially when they maintain close affiliations with domestic political operations. Trump’s commitment to examining any potential conflicts underscores the sensitivity surrounding the dual roles of political figures engaged in both domestic and international consulting.