The Guardian reported that former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic personally intervened in February 2024 to push for the removal of protected status from Belgrade's General Staff building, clearing the way for a proposed $500 million Trump Tower development by a company owned by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Oglas
According to two sources cited by the newspaper, Vucic summoned heritage institute officials to his presidential offices and pressured them to revoke the building's protection. A subsequent agreement granted Kushner's company a 99-year lease on the site free of charge. The officials refused to comply and resigned.
Serbian prosecutors have indicted Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic and other senior officials over alleged abuse of office and the removal of the building's protected status. Prosecutors say a supportive expert opinion was forged. Vucic and his close associate, Finance Minister Sinisa Mali, have not been charged. The Guardian reported that prosecutors acknowledged holding evidence concerning Vucic's meeting with heritage officials, while continuing pretrial proceedings to determine whether others may face criminal liability.
The project was abandoned in December 2025 after the charges were brought. Vucic condemned the prosecution, calling the prosecutors a corrupt gang, and threatened to hold those responsible for losing the investment accountable.
The controversy has become a political issue ahead of Serbia's October 25 election, amid continuing protests against government corruption. Vucic has not responded to the Guardian's requests for comment.
Teme