On Friday, Serbian lawmakers took a significant step by approving a luxury Trump-branded high-rise in Belgrade, which will be constructed on the site of a notable architectural landmark.
The project, proposed by Jared Kushner—son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump—had previously faced delays due to fraud charges against several Serbian officials connected to it. The ambitious half-billion-dollar development aims to include a hotel and residential apartments, but it has sparked considerable opposition. Critics argue that the chosen location, which was the former headquarters of the Yugoslav army, holds historical significance as it was left in ruins following NATO’s bombing campaign in 1999, intended to conclude the Kosovo war. This site has long stood as an unofficial memorial and a testament to 20th-century Yugoslav architecture.
Parliamentary approval amid controversy
Despite the ongoing controversy, Serbia’s parliament approved the project, led by President Aleksandar Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party, which enacted a special law that removed the site’s cultural protections. In an unusual move, lawmakers invoked a constitutional provision declaring the development as a project of national importance, thus allowing it to advance.
Opposition lawmakers have voiced strong criticism of the government’s decision. Marinika Tepić, a center-left MP, condemned the move, stating that Belgrade is sacrificing its historical heritage merely to “please Donald Trump.” She remarked,
“In a place where bombs once fell, you now plan to pour champagne.”
Government’s rationale and international implications
In defense of the project, President Vučić has argued that it is crucial for enhancing Serbia’s relationship with Washington, accusing the opposition of hindering progress towards “better relations with the Trump administration.”
Jared Kushner, who maintains an advisory role without formal position in the White House, has actively sought various major real estate projects globally, including a luxury resort initiative in Albania. In 2022, Serbia’s government granted a 99-year lease to Affinity Partners, a private investment firm established by Kushner, to develop the Trump-branded complex in Belgrade.
Amid these developments, anti-corruption activists have been demonstrating across Serbia for the past year, criticizing what they perceive as government impunity and a lack of accountability. Additionally, the European Commission has recently pointed out the slow pace of reforms related to corruption and rule of law in its annual enlargement progress report concerning Belgrade.