Serbia Clears Way for Jared Kushner’s Controversial Project

Belgrade’s skyline could soon see a dramatic transformation as Serbia’s parliament cleared the way for a luxury development led by US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The $500 million project aims to convert the former Yugoslav Army headquarters into a high-end hotel and apartment complex, a move that has ignited public protests and legal debates.

The building, heavily damaged during NATO’s 1999 bombing campaign, holds deep symbolic meaning for many Serbians, representing both historical memory and opposition to foreign military interventions. Despite its significance, the Serbian government removed its protected status last year and agreed to a 99-year lease with Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners.

President Aleksandar Vucic, a long-time supporter of close US ties, has defended the project, emphasizing the need to “overcome the burden from 1999” and strengthen relations with Washington. Parliament’s special vote, led by Vucic’s party, pushed the development forward despite widespread criticism.

Opposition leaders have been vocal, with Aleksandar Jovanovic calling the move unconstitutional and warning that the historic landmark could be replaced with “casinos and Jacuzzis.” Centre-left MP Marinika Tepic criticized the government for prioritizing international relations over the nation’s history.

Architectural experts and anti-corruption groups like Transparency Serbia have also raised concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage and transparency in state-backed developments.

The project comes as Serbia balances its complex international ties, particularly amid the impact of US tariffs and sanctions on Russian-owned businesses in the country. While some see the development as a step toward modernizing Belgrade, others view it as a controversial trade-off that risks erasing a key chapter of Serbian history.