Trump-tied firm helped organize political advisers’ Balkans travel
Chris LaCivita and James Blair’s trip to the Balkans occurred after former Trump campaign adviser Alex Garcia initially reached out, multiple people told Semafor.
Law and lobbying firm Scoop Continental, with close ties to President Donald Trump's network, arranged a recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina for two Trump political advisers, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Republika Srpska, a region with Russia-friendly Serbian leaders seeking to align with Trump, agreed to pay Scoop Continental $35,000 monthly to organize meetings and discussions, establishing relationships with key stakeholders in the executive and legislative branches, as per a Justice Department filing.
Former Trump campaign adviser Alex Garcia, who works for Scoop Continental, helped arrange meetings with White House officials during the trip. The trip occurred after Garcia initially reached out to one of the advisers, multiple sources said. The advisers were in Republika Srpska for 48 hours to consult on voting equipment for upcoming elections.
Trump expressed displeasure with the trip, but his tone wasn't harsh, according to sources familiar with the situation. The advisers' trip focused on election integrity, not political strategy, as it marked Republika Srpska's first election using new ballots and Smartmatic voting equipment. Scoop Continental spokesperson affirmed Garcia's role in the trip but declined to comment further.
The firm has reportedly taken on clients in Venezuela following the US's capture of its former leader. Republika Srpska's lobbying contracts with the administration have totaled at least $9 million since Trump's inauguration.
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