President Trump threatened to “terminate” two advisers on Wednesday after The New York Times revealed they each earned “hundreds of thousands of dollars” advising a pro-Russia political party in Bosnia.
Chris LaCivita and James Blair, who oversee midterm political advertising for Mr. Trump’s political operation, spent several days this month in a self-governing territory in Bosnia and Herzegovina while supporting the region’s Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, according to the Times.
The nationalist party is closely aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Mr. Trump said on social media, “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. 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.”
The Alliance of Independent Social Democrats’ leader, Milorad Dodik, won convincingly in the election on Sunday. He thanked Mr. Putin for his support, according to media reports.
Mr. Blair had worked as White House deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs but left in May to oversee GOP midterm efforts at the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC.
Mr. LaCivita helped lead Mr. Trump’s 2024 campaign and has remained a key ally outside the White House.
Mr. Blair and Mr. LaCivita did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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