Democrats Criticize U.S. Sanctions Lift on Serb Leader Amid Energy Contract for Trump-Linked Firm

U.S. lifts sanctions on Serb nationalist, MAGA-linked firm secures $1.7B Bosnia energy deal. Democrats accuse White House of favoritism.

Editorial Desk

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — A U.S.-based company with ties to President Donald Trump’s inner circle is nearing a major energy contract in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sparking controversy over the lifting of sanctions against a prominent Serb nationalist leader.

The project, which involves a $1.7 billion gas pipeline connecting Bosnia to Croatia’s network, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats who claim it reflects political favoritism and undermines U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans. The company, AAFS Infrastructure & Energy, is led by individuals with close connections to Trump, including his former personal attorney and the brother of a former national security advisor.

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Milorad Dodik, a Bosnian Serb separatist leader, recently praised Trump after his party won a key seat in Bosnia’s tripartite presidency. Dodik, who had previously opposed the pipeline, reversed his stance following the U.S. lifting of sanctions against him last year. The move has raised questions about how the White House is leveraging its influence in the region, with critics alleging that it has prioritized political allies over long-standing U.S. interests.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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