Two senior advisors to former President Donald Trump’s midterm election strategy were paid to advise a pro-Russian government in the Balkans just weeks before the U.S. midterm elections. Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Trump’s 2024 campaign, and James Blair, former White House deputy chief of staff, traveled to Republika Srpska, a self-governing region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to provide consulting services ahead of the region’s elections on October 2. The pair were reportedly compensated with hundreds of thousands of dollars each for their work, according to sources cited by The New York Times.
The nationalist party in Republika Srpska, which has aligned itself with Russian President Vladimir Putin, secured a decisive victory in the election despite reports of delays and technical issues. The region has sought closer ties with Trump, including financial investments and political alignment. LaCivita and Blair’s involvement in the Balkans occurred as they were named by Trump to lead his party’s midterm election efforts for 2026.
In response to the report, Trump stated on Truth Social that LaCivita and Blair are outside consultants and do not formally work for him. “They most likely have numerous clients, but for that, you would have to ask them,” Trump wrote. “They are allowed to do work for others, just like all consultants in Washington, D.C.”
The advisors’ consulting work in Republika Srpska has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given the region’s alignment with Russia and its proximity to the U.S. midterm elections. Trump added that he may reconsider their roles if a conflict arises, though he did not indicate any immediate action.
Republika Srpska, led by nationalist politician Milorad Dodik, has been a focal point of Russian influence in the Balkans. The region has pursued policies favorable to Moscow, including opposition to NATO and alignment with Russian geopolitical interests. Observers note that the advisors’ involvement in the region’s election process could have implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly as it relates to Russia’s expanding influence in Europe.
The timing of the trip—just weeks before the U.S. midterms—has drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the advisors’ work in the Balkans could divert their attention from domestic election strategies. Supporters of Trump’s campaign argue that the advisors’ consulting work is unrelated to their roles in the U.S. midterm elections and does not constitute a conflict of interest.
The New York Times report did not specify the exact nature of the consulting services provided by LaCivita and Blair, nor did it detail the full scope of their financial arrangements with Republika Srpska. The advisors have not publicly commented on the specifics of their work in the region.