On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump sought to distance himself from two senior campaign aides after revelations that they had spent the weekend assisting a pro‑Russia government in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had “no idea who else they work for” and warned that any conflict of interest would lead to immediate termination. The advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, were reported to have travelled to Republika Srpska to support the local government ahead of elections, receiving payments of hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
Trump Distances Himself from LaCivita and Blair
Trump’s Truth Social message characterised LaCivita and Blair as “outside consultants” who “do not work for me other than as outside consultants”. He stressed that such consultants are permitted to take on other clients, adding that he would ask them about any additional work and fire them instantly if a conflict emerged. The statement came just hours after the New York Times detailed their trip to the Balkans.
Advisers’ Work in Republika Srpska
According to the Times, LaCivita and Blair flew to Republika Srpska, the Serb‑led entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, to advise the government in preparation for regional elections. Sources indicated each adviser was compensated with six‑figure sums for their consultancy. While abroad, a spokesperson for Maga Inc told the newspaper that the pair remained active in midterm preparations, hosting a Saturday‑morning call with race captains to review recent survey data.
Background on the Two Aides
Chris LaCivita joined Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign in 2022 after leading the pro‑Trump Super PAC Preserve America. Trump has repeatedly praised him, calling him “THE BEST” co‑campaign manager alongside Susie Wiles, who now serves as White House chief of staff. James Blair worked on Trump’s 2020 Florida campaign, served as political director for the 2024 effort, and was appointed deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs at the White House. In April, Trump lauded Blair as “one of the brightest political minds” before announcing his temporary leave to aid Maga Inc in the upcoming midterms, with a promise to return afterward.
Implications for the Midterm Campaign
Both men remain deeply involved with Maga Inc, the Trump‑aligned Super PAC tasked with boosting Republican candidates in the November elections. Despite recent polls showing Democrats ahead in several battleground districts—attributed largely to voter dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy and cost of living—Republican forces retain a financial edge. At the end of August, Maga Inc reported cash reserves exceeding $415 million, and affiliated Super PACs have begun rolling out multimillion‑dollar advertising blitzes. The controversy over LaCivita and Blair’s overseas work could test that advantage if it fuels further scrutiny of the campaign’s foreign ties.
Why it Matters
The episode raises fresh questions about the extent to which Trump’s inner circle engages with foreign governments while simultaneously directing domestic political spending. If the advisers’ activities in Republika Srpska are deemed a conflict of interest, it could trigger internal shake‑ups within the Trump‑aligned apparatus and potentially weaken Republican fundraising momentum at a critical juncture. Conversely, the affair may reinforce narratives among Trump’s base about external attempts to undermine his movement, thereby galvanising support despite broader electoral headwinds. Either way, the fallout will be watched closely as both parties vie for control of Congress in the coming months.
