The political crisis in Serbia is intensifying, with protests spreading across the country against President Aleksandar Vučić’s government. Amid this unrest, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has secured a deal to develop a Trump Tower in Belgrade, an agreement that raises questions about the role of the U.S. in Serbia’s future. While Vučić has long sought strong ties with the Trump family, the luxury development project has sparked significant backlash. As Vučić faces mounting pressure, the question remains: will this deal solidify his power, or will it backfire?
The Political Crisis and Protests in Serbia
On March 15, 2025, over 100,000 protesters gathered in Belgrade to challenge President Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), marking one of the largest demonstrations in the country’s history. The protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with government corruption, especially after the tragic collapse of a newly renovated canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which claimed the lives of 16 people. The incident exacerbated long-standing frustrations with the government’s handling of public safety and infrastructure projects.
Protesters have demanded reforms and accountability, with a particular focus on the need to eliminate corruption within the government. Despite the mounting pressure, Vučić’s government has remained steadfast, with some even suggesting that fresh elections might be on the horizon as a way to quell public anger. However, the protests are showing no signs of fading, and the growing discontent poses a serious threat to Vučić’s leadership.
Jared Kushner’s Deal: A Trump Tower in Belgrade
In the midst of this turmoil, Jared Kushner’s investment firm secured a deal to convert the former Yugoslav Ministry of Defence building, a site bombed during NATO airstrikes in 1999, into a luxury development featuring a Trump Tower, complete with hotel, office spaces, and apartments. This development has raised eyebrows, particularly given Serbia’s complex relationship with the United States and the controversial nature of the site, which many see as a painful reminder of the war.
Kushner’s involvement in Serbia is part of a broader effort by the Trump family to expand its international business footprint. Vučić has fostered close ties with the Trump administration, and this deal is seen as another manifestation of their long-standing relationship. While this business move might be seen as a natural extension of those ties, it has not come without significant opposition from the Serbian public. Many view the development project as a symbol of foreign influence in a nation that is grappling with internal strife.
Vučić’s Relationship with the Trump Family
Vučić’s political career has been marked by a delicate balancing act between aligning with both Western powers and maintaining strong relations with Russia. His relationship with the Trump family began to take shape during Trump’s presidency, with Vučić working to strengthen ties with the U.S. in hopes of securing economic support and international legitimacy. The 2020 summit in Washington, brokered by Trump ally Richard Grenell, resulted in a historic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo to normalize economic relations—a significant diplomatic win for Trump and Vučić.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Trump Tower project, Vučić has remained a staunch ally of the Trump family. In fact, in a recent appearance on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast, Vučić echoed the former president’s criticisms of foreign funding in protest movements, which further solidified his alignment with the Trump administration’s stance on global issues.
However, this close relationship might not be enough to protect Vučić from the growing political crisis at home. With widespread protests and mounting calls for his resignation, the Serbian leader may soon find himself seeking even greater support from the U.S., potentially turning to the Trump family for assistance in navigating the storm.
Will the U.S. Step In to Stabilize Vučić’s Regime?
Despite the U.S. and Serbia’s strong diplomatic ties, experts suggest that the U.S. may not take a strong stance on the ongoing protests. The Biden administration has maintained a hands-off approach to Vučić’s regime, focusing instead on broader geopolitical concerns in the Balkans. However, with Vučić facing unprecedented opposition, the question remains whether the U.S. will continue to back the Serbian leader or distance itself from a regime that is increasingly unpopular at home.
In light of these developments, some observers believe that Vučić may seek a direct line to Trump once again. Vučić himself has hinted at the possibility of meeting with Trump in the coming months, though it remains unclear whether the former president will be willing to intervene in Serbia’s internal political crisis.
The Future of Serbia’s Political Landscape
As Serbia’s political landscape continues to shift, the involvement of the Trump family looms large. With protests showing no signs of slowing down, the Serbian government is facing its biggest challenge in over a decade. Whether the Trump family’s involvement in Serbia will prove to be a stabilizing force or a source of further division remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the political fate of President Aleksandar Vučić is now deeply intertwined with international business interests and the ongoing struggle for democracy within the country.
As Serbia stands at a crossroads, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Vučić can weather the storm, and whether the Trump family will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
