Documents Reveal Serbian State Funding for American Lobbyists Linked to Bosnian Serb Leadership

Documents released by activist Evi Kokalari indicate that Serbia is spending public money to influence political matters in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The state-owned company Telekom Srbija paid more than 540,000 dollars to the Washington-based lobbying firm Continental Strategy. At the same time, the government of Republika Srpska and its leader Milorad Dodik hired the same lobbying firm for 35,000 dollars per month.

Continental Strategy maintains strong ties to Donald Trump and his political network. The firm recently helped organize trips to Republika Srpska for key American political strategists. These figures include Trump campaign managers Chris LaCivita and James Blair. Katie Wiles, the daughter of Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles, also visited the region. Kokalari questioned why a Serbian state enterprise would fund travel for high-profile American political operatives to Bosnia.

Media reports confirm that former Trump campaign adviser Alex Garcia arranged these meetings. Garcia also set up a meeting between Susie Wiles and a regional Serbian official. While in Republika Srpska, LaCivita and Blair reportedly consulted on election issues. The trip drew criticism from some Republicans in Washington, but allies of Donald Trump defended their activities.

During her visit, Katie Wiles was photographed holding a rifle next to Republika Srpska Interior Minister Zeljko Budimir. The entity has reportedly spent millions of dollars on American lobbying firms since Trump took office. Officials in Republika Srpska aim to build direct alliances with powerful figures in Washington.