Wed, 11 Jun 2025

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 A Belgrade landmark bombed by Nato could get Trump makeover

The Serbian project, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has run into opposition and scandal.
Serbia's government has struck a deal with US developer Affinity Global to redevelop the site of the Defence Ministry complex, which was bombed by Nato planes in 1999. The planned development is a $500m luxury hotel and apartment tower complex, including a Trump International Hotel. However, the move has sparked controversy, particularly given the involvement of Jared Kushner's company and the fact that the deal was reportedly made with no upfront cost to the Serbian government. The Defence Ministry complex is a city centre landmark and a memorial to the casualties of the 1999 bombing campaign. It was originally constructed to welcome visitors to the capital of Tito's Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and its design echoes the contours of Sutjeska Gorge, where the Yugoslav Partisans won a pivotal victory over Nazi forces in 1943. Architect Nikola Dobrovic created two structures on either side of Nemanjina Street that formed a gate when viewed together. The site was granted protected status under Serbia's cultural heritage laws in 2005, and according to Serbian law, it is not possible to revoke the protection of this site. However, in May, police arrested Goran Vasic, the acting director of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, on charges of abuse of office and forgery of official documents. Prosecutors said he had admitted to fabricating an expert opinion used to justify the change of status. The arrest has raised questions about whether Kushner's company received preferential treatment in securing the deal. The Serbian government denies any wrongdoing, but the controversy surrounding the project has sparked concerns among investors who have already committed to Serbia. One investor expressed concern that if they had been given the chance to buy the site themselves, they would not have been willing to pay the price Affinity Global did. The role of Jared Kushner and his family in the deal is also a point of contention. Donald Trump Jr has made follow-up visits to Belgrade after Affinity Global announced its plans for the site, and some have raised questions about whether the Trumps are profiting from their association with the presidency. The fate of the Defence Ministry complex remains uncertain, but it seems unlikely that any development will take place in the near future. The controversy surrounding the project has also highlighted concerns about the preservation of Serbia's cultural heritage and the need for transparency in government decision-making.
  >>