Hakeem Jeffries has criticized Trump-linked political operatives over their reported election-related work in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The senior Democratic leader accused the advisers of taking their political tactics to the former Yugoslavia.
Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, made the remarks on X. His comments followed a New York Times report about James Blair and Chris LaCivita, two prominent Republican political strategists.
The report examined their work in Republika Srpska and their connections to the political network surrounding Milorad Dodik.
Hakeem Jeffries Criticizes Trump-Linked Advisers
Jeffries accused leading figures in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement of focusing on political activities abroad.
He also linked their reported work in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
“Leading MAGA political operatives know Republicans are headed for a crushing defeat in the midterm elections,” Jeffries wrote on X.
“That’s why they have taken their malicious schemes to the former Yugoslavia. Shameless,” he added.
His comments targeted Blair and LaCivita, who held senior positions in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Blair served as the campaign’s political director, while LaCivita was one of its leading campaign managers.
According to the New York Times report, the two operatives became involved in election-related consulting in Republika Srpska.
The newspaper reported that a Washington law firm retained by the Republika Srpska government engaged the advisers.
Reports Spark Political Dispute in Washington
The revelations have also raised questions about the activities of Trump-connected political consultants outside the United States.
According to regional media reports, President Donald Trump described Blair and LaCivita as outside associates. He also said he would examine whether their activities involved corruption.
Meanwhile, the controversy has drawn criticism within Republican political circles.
Some Republicans have reportedly questioned why prominent party operatives were earning money from overseas consulting during a difficult domestic election campaign.
However, the allegations and political criticism do not establish that either adviser engaged in illegal conduct.
Jeffries’ response adds a new dimension to the controversy. It brings the reported activities in Republika Srpska into the wider political debate between Democrats and Republicans.
The New York Times reported that both advisers received substantial payments through a Washington-based law firm retained by the Republika Srpska government.
Trump initially warned that he would end their consulting relationships if he found a conflict of interest. However, he later indicated that he did not believe such a conflict existed.
The dispute highlights the international consulting activities of political strategists with close ties to Washington.
First Balkan Media previously reported on Blair and LaCivita’s work in Republika Srpska.
