Kushner's Serbian Hotel: Historic Site, Historic Self-Dealing
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s party is drafting special legislation to expedite a Trump-branded hotel championed by Jared Kushner, on a historic Belgrade site. This isn't just about 'fast-tracking'; it's about altering laws to bypass standard procedures—a perk typically reserved for, well, individuals with close ties to former (and potentially future) US Presidents. The chosen location, the
former General Staff building, was bombed by NATO in 1999, making it a site of vivid national memory and controversy. One might wonder if 'historical significance' only applies when it's not profitable. The move conveniently aligns with the Trump family's long-standing tradition of leveraging political influence for private gain. Remember when Kushner reportedly secured a $2 billion investment
from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund for his private equity firm shortly after leaving the White House? ( New York Times, April 10, 2022 ) This Serbian deal appears to be another chapter in the playbook: national assets, public land, and even somber historical markers are simply convertible-to-cash opportunities for those with the right connections. Democracy, or kleptocracy with a side of
luxury suites?