Paulo Zampolli, a longtime friend of U.S. President Donald Trump and a special envoy of the State Department, has been dismissed from his position.
“Paulo was informed that his status as an envoy has ended and that he is no longer a government employee,” a U.S. official said.
According to POLITICO, Zampolli’s dismissal comes amid a serious internal dispute within the Trump administration involving Zampolli and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The dispute has reportedly escalated into mutual accusations, threats of legal action and disagreements over authority.
One point of contention was Zampolli’s February visit to the Balkans, where he met officials from Republika Srpska to discuss energy projects, including potential solar and hydropower investments.
During the visit to Banja Luka, Zampolli also met Milorad Dodik, leader of the SNSD party. Republika Srpska officials portrayed him as an exceptionally important diplomat with influence across several sectors of society.
His removal comes amid questions surrounding his diplomatic role and his engagement with political figures in the Balkans.
