Trump White House in ‘full-on panic mode’ over close advisers hired by pro-Putin Balkans government

Two of Donald Trump's closest political strategists have landed him in an awkward spot after traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina to advise the Russian-aligned government of Republika Srpska. Chris LaCivita and James Blair now run or advise the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. as the midterms approach. The New York Times revealed the trip, and Politico reports the news set off "full-on panic mode" inside the White House. A Washington firm hired by the Bosnian Serb authorities reportedly paid the pair hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to The Independent.

Trump, apparently caught off guard, wrote on Truth Social that both men are merely outside consultants who do not work for him, and said he would fire them immediately if a conflict turned up. That contrasts with earlier praise he gave each of them. Politico's sources say no big staffing changes are expected before Election Day, though his patience could run out if Republican prospects worsen. Representative Anna Paulina Luna defended them as loyal patriots.

The Justice Department says Trump-linked lobbyists have collected over $4 million from Republika Srpska since last year. The administration also lifted sanctions on its leader, Milorad Dodik. Susie Wiles also met one of his party's members.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →