Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, secured a deal with Serbia to build a luxury hotel in Belgrade, the nation’s capital city. Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners obtained a 99-year lease to allow for its development in the central European nation. The hotel is to be built on top of a former military base.

News of the contract sparked protests condemning the destruction of a historical site. Serbian public officials feared the project allowed for political manipulation and called out its insensitivity. 

Defending the project, Serbian construction and infrastructure minister Goran Vesić stated, “The Government of Serbia has chosen a reputable American company as a partner in this venture, which will invest in the revitalization of the complex of the former Federal Secretariat for National Defense.”

A petition opposing the project earned 10,000 signatures in the first few hours and 25,000 over a few days. Serbian citizens feel the military site is a piece of Serbian history that should not be altered or destroyed.

Kushner’s work in Serbia raised ethical concerns in March. With Kushner’s contract, some speculate an alliance between the Trump family and Serbia may help the former president in his upcoming presidential bid.

“This particular investment plan seems to involve the worst of every corrupt tendency of the Trump administration and Trump family,” Robert Weissman, president of the Public Citizen, an ethics watchdog group, said in March. 

Kushner is rumored to be a top choice for Secretary of State if Trump is elected for a second term. However, Kushner has stated he will not be involved in the Trump administration. 

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Ann Hoang

Article by Ann Hoang

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