Trump Aides Face Backlash Over Paid Lobbying Ties to Republika Srpska

A lobbying scandal involving Republika Srpska has triggered strong political reactions in Washington. Reports by US media outlet Semafor show that top political strategists for Donald Trump worked for the Government of Republika Srpska. Strategists Chris LaCivita and James Blair were hired through the firm Continental Strategy. Official documents state that Republika Srpska paid the firm 35,000 dollars per month from public funds. The goal was to establish ties with the US administration.

Former campaign adviser Alex Garcia organized the collaboration. Katie Wiles, the daughter of Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles, works as a partner at the same firm. Katie Wiles visited Republika Srpska in August and took photos with local officials at a shooting range. Soon after, Bosnian Presidency member Željka Cvijanović met Susie Wiles at the White House. Critics say this meeting was not a diplomatic success. Instead, it was a paid photo opportunity.

The scandal created major problems for the Republican Party ahead of key US elections. Democrats criticize Trump's close allies for taking money from a pro-Russian leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are now reviewing previous lobbying contracts worth millions of dollars. Democrats in the House of Representatives plan to launch a formal investigation into these Balkan ties if they secure a majority. The issue was also raised during a recent congressional hearing for ambassador nominee Ronald Johnson.