Trump Advisers Donate Bosnian Consulting Fees to Presidential Library

President Donald Trump’s campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and James Blair have donated their six-figure consulting fees from work in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Trump’s presidential library, according to sources. The move appears to have mollified Trump, who had expressed frustration upon learning of their engagement with a political party in the Bosnian Serb entity.

LaCivita, who co-led Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, and Blair, a former deputy chief of staff in the Trump White House, each earned more than $100,000 for their consulting work. While the donation has been made, they will likely still be responsible for paying income taxes on the earnings.

Trump had publicly voiced his displeasure earlier this month after The New York Times reported that the two, who hold prominent roles within the MAGA Inc. super PAC, had traveled to advise a political party in Republika Srpska. This entity is led by Milorad Dodik, a figure known for his pro-Trump and pro-Russian President Vladimir Putin stances.

The consulting work had raised questions about whether LaCivita and Blair were prioritizing personal financial gain over their roles in U.S. election efforts. Some colleagues, however, suggested that they remained engaged in domestic campaign work remotely.

Trump initially addressed the situation on Truth Social on Oct. 7, stating, “Chris LaCivita and James Blair are outside consultants. They do not work for me, other than as outside consultants. They most likely have numerous clients, but for that, you would have to ask them.” He added that he would inquire about potential conflicts and terminate their consultant roles if necessary.

However, recent developments suggest a reconciliation. Blair was seen accompanying Trump at a campaign rally in South Carolina, and sources indicate Trump was pleased to learn of the donation, describing him as “gloating” and “very braggadocious” in private conversations.

A White House official described Trump's recent conversations with Blair as businesslike and tactical, suggesting that the former president was not holding a grudge and did not anticipate blaming Blair for potential Republican losses.