Trump's Political Consultants Face Scrutiny Over Foreign Advisory Work

<p>President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to terminate two of his top political consultants if he discovers a conflict of interest, following reports that they advised a Russia-aligned government ahead of local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Chris LaCivita and James Blair are leading Republicans' midterm election strategy, which raises concerns regarding their foreign consulting work and their roles in Trump's political operation.</p><hr /><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> Trump referred to the consultants as "outside consultants" in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday.</p><ul><li>"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. They are allowed to do work for others, just like all consultants in Washington, D.C.," Trump stated.</li><li>"I do not have any idea who else they work for but will, on reflection, ask them and, if there's a conflict, I will terminate them, immediately!" he added.</li></ul><p><strong>The other side:</strong> A source familiar with both consultants and their recent trip indicated to Axios that it was "a normal weekend full of calls and texts on the various races and our strategy/tactics in each."</p><p><strong>Context:</strong> The nationalist party in Republika Srpska expressed concerns that new voting machines could jeopardize its power, mirroring Trump's criticisms of voting machines in the U.S.</p><ul><li>A national election commission required the territory to utilize the new equipment.</li><li>The source noted that Blair and LaCivita were present for about 48 hours to provide "strategic advice on Election Integrity and what to look for to spot and avoid potential election fraud, because it was the first election where Republika Srpska was forced to use new ballots and Smartmatic voting equipment, which obviously made them nervous."</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines:</strong> Caroline Wren, a registered lobbyist for Republika Srpska, stated that the republic's main interest lies in strengthening relations with Trump's administration.</p><ul><li>"It's not about Russia. It's not about Putin. It's about Christians who want their freedom and autonomy," Wren said.</li><li>"The Trump Administration has made a huge priority of protecting and promoting Christians around the world, and there is no better place to do that than with the Pro-Trump Christians in Republika Srpska who have been demonized by the Europeans and Brussels for their Western values," she added.</li></ul><p><strong>Blair and LaCivita</strong> were reportedly on the ground for "maybe 36 hours," according to Wren, who observed that Blair was frequently on the phone discussing elections in the U.S.</p><ul><li>"Chris and James work around the clock to deliver wins for President Trump and Republicans here at home," she stated.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in:</strong> Blair, who previously served as White House deputy chief of staff, left the administration earlier this year to work for MAGA Inc., a super PAC affiliated with Trump.</p><ul><li>He was also a senior adviser on Trump's 2024 campaign. LaCivita, the former co-manager of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, is a senior adviser at MAGA Inc.</li></ul><p><strong>Catch up quick:</strong> LaCivita and Blair visited Republika Srpska ahead of local elections, according to the New York Times.</p><ul><li>The two were reportedly recruited to advise the government on voting-related issues. They were hired to work for the government, not the nationalist party that controls it, although the party dominates the territory's government.</li></ul><p><strong>Yes, but:</strong> American political consultants have a long history of taking on foreign clients.</p><p><strong>Zoom out:</strong> Trump's family businesses have expanded their foreign dealings since he returned to office.</p><ul><li>The Trump Organization and its partners have more than 20 Trump-branded projects planned, under construction, or opening abroad — more than triple the number of overseas properties operating before his return.</li><li>His administration accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar, which is slated to eventually go to Trump's presidential library, while a UAE royal-linked firm acquired a 49% stake in the Trump family's cryptocurrency business.</li><li>Donald Trump Jr. had his wedding financed by a Putin-linked Russian oligarch and later repaid him after public backlash.</li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper:</strong> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/trump-presidential-gold-rush">Trump's presidential profit machine bursts into the open</a></p>