Trump Advisers Donate Balkan Consulting Fees to Presidential Library

Political advisers James Blair and Chris LaCivita transferred the consulting fees they earned from a side-job in Bosnia and Herzegovina to President Donald Trump’s presidential library. Both men posted on X that the contribution was “an honor” and expressed gratitude to the president.

New York Post

Earlier in the month, Blair and LaCivita traveled to Republika Srpska ahead of its regional elections. They were retained by a Washington-based law firm representing the ruling party of Milorad Dodik, a leader known for friendly ties to Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their involvement sparked criticism that the advisers were profiting from their proximity to the president while Republican congressional campaigns faced setbacks at home.

Raw Story

President Trump initially responded on Truth Social, emphasizing that the advisers were “outside consultants” and that he would investigate any potential conflicts:

New York Post

“They are allowed to do work for others, just like all consultants in Washington, D.C. I do not have any idea who else they work for but will, on reflection, ask them and, if there’s a conflict, I will terminate them, immediately!” — Top Trump, government to president

CNN

Subsequent reports indicate that Trump’s tone softened after learning of the donation. Sources close to the president said he was “gloating” and “very braggadocious” in private conversations, describing the contribution as a “no-brainer.” A White House official later noted that Trump appeared businesslike and tactical in discussions with Blair, and did not seem angry about the advisers’ overseas work.

Raw Story

• Each adviser earned more than $100,000 from the Bosnian consulting engagement, according to multiple sources.

New York Post

• The exact amount donated to the library has not been disclosed, but the advisers indicated they contributed their full fees.

CNN

• Both men remain senior figures at the MAGA Inc. super PAC, with Blair also leading the GOP’s recent redistricting push.

Raw Story

• “They are allowed to do work for others, just like all consultants in Washington, D.C. I do not have any idea who else they work for but will, on reflection, ask them and, if there’s a conflict, I will terminate them, immediately!” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post.

CNN