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Grenell’s Backing of Vučić Confirms Continuity in U.S. Policy Toward Serbia

Writer's picture: Armin SijamićArmin Sijamić

Protests in Serbia have been ongoing for months, with students and other dissatisfied citizens demanding that authorities investigate and prosecute those responsible for the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad Railway Station. However, Richard Grenell, a special envoy of Donald Trump, has voiced his disapproval of these demonstrations.

Two men in suits stand together; one holds an award box with "Republika Srbija" text. An American flag is visible in the marble room.
Photo: Grenell and Vučić

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has attempted to quell the protests through various political maneuvers, even as the movement gains momentum daily. Analysts in Serbia argue that the protests signal citizens have shed their fear of the regime and predict that public dissatisfaction will only grow.


In another political move, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić resigned yesterday—two months after the incident. The delay suggests the reasons cited in their resignations are disingenuous. Critics note they could have stepped down immediately after the tragedy, as students never demanded resignations. Instead, protesters have called for accountability and concrete action.


A day earlier, Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy for special missions, took to social media platform X to criticize the protests. The U.S. official sided with Belgrade’s authorities, insinuating the student demonstrations were violent.


Grenell’s support


“It is always important to raise your voice and be heard. But everyone must condemn violence and adhere to peaceful demonstrations. The democratic process must be respected. We do not support those who undermine the rule of law or forcibly seize state institutions. If you disagree with a law or leader, work to replace them—do not resort to violence,” Grenell wrote, alongside a video of Serbia’s peaceful student protests.


This stance drew backlash, particularly given that Grenell’s boss, Donald Trump, recently pardoned individuals involved in the deadly January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Meanwhile, in Serbia, physical attacks on students—some resulting in serious injuries—have been reported before and after Grenell’s remarks. Students have been struck by cars, beaten with batons and fists, and smeared by pro-government media as “foreign mercenaries” aiming to destabilize Serbia.


Grenell’s comments were met with outrage from parts of the Serbian public. Opposition figures and civil society leaders urged him not to meddle in Serbia’s internal affairs. Social media users on X also pushed back, with the platform’s community note adding that his claims were deemed misleading and that the protests were “the most peaceful in the past thirty years.”


Grenell’s support for Vučić is unsurprising. Serbian media have extensively documented his close ties to the country’s political elite. What is concerning, however, is that Western officials continue to back their favored leaders regardless of their policies, even as they demand citizens pursue democracy and align the “Western Balkans” with the West.


Support from Washington and Brussels


The change of power in Washington seemed not to faze Vučić, as he had already secured investments with members of Trump’s family to prepare for such a scenario.


Vučić has maintained support from both the U.S. and the European Union despite the consequences of his policies in Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill, part of the Biden administration, has been particularly vocal in his backing.


Recent German media reports suggest official Berlin also stands behind Vučić, contingent on Serbia’s commitment to lithium mining near the Bosnian border. Critics warn that such projects will cause environmental disasters, further distancing Serbia and its neighbors from EU standards.


Despite warnings that support for Vučić will leave Serbia and neighboring countries far from the European Union, the West refuses to alter its plans—all due to Serbia’s alleged distancing from Vladimir Putin’s Russia.


The government’s treatment of the Serbian opposition guarantees the country will fail to meet democratic standards, while experts warn that lithium and other mineral extraction will trigger an environmental catastrophe, meaning even Serbia and its neighbors will fall short of EU benchmarks.


Greneell's "Special Missions"


Grenell, who previously served as Trump’s envoy for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, may now leverage his new role to reengage in the Balkans. During his earlier tenure, he pressured Belgrade toward a form of recognition of Kosovo and pushed Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti to accept the Community of Serbian Municipalities.


Post-mandate, Grenell has remained close to Belgrade’s leadership—even receiving state honors—while using media appearances to defend Vučić and blame Kurti for regional tensions.


If Ambassador Hill’s support for Vučić stemmed from the opposition’s disarray, Grenell’s backing could go further, fueled by personal ties and lucrative economic deals with Trump-era officials. This poses significant risks for Serbia and the region. A government entangled in personal and economic interests with foreign powers—while suppressing dissent and stifling political life—could have unpredictable consequences.


In an era of escalating great-power rivalries and eroding international law, no small country needs a government that operates beyond public scrutiny, striking shadowy multimillion-dollar deals. Grenell’s support for Vučić in the clash with students hints at such a scenario.


When Trump appointed Grenell as a special envoy, U.S. media speculated his focus would be Venezuela and North Korea. Yet his remarks on Serbia’s protests suggest other regions remain on his radar—and in the crosshairs of great-power politics.




This article was previously published on the news portal nap.ba.

 

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