Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of US President Donald Trump, was in Banja Luka on April 7, where he participated in a panel discussion and spoke about global politics and economic development, the impact of artificial intelligence, investments, and contemporary challenges to democracy.
According to initial reports, the purpose of his visit was to talk to a businessman from the Republika Srpska entity about cooperation and investment opportunities, while other details were partially accessible to the public.
The US Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina told Radio Free Europe that Donald Trump Jr. is visiting Banja Luka in a "private" capacity.
In part of the speech, which was broadcast by public broadcaster RTRS, Trump Jr. spoke about artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies.
"This is something that the Donald Trump organization embraces very willingly. As you are seeing here and in other parts of the world, democracy is not always what it seems. It is often used as a weapon to create problems, both for ourselves and for others," he said.
Trump Jr. also said that Americans could learn a lot by going to Republika Srpska.
"You can learn a lot here, and for me, and I unintentionally had political indoctrination when I saw a political system that collapsed, but also when I saw the values of the people. If they come here, I think they can understand how the world really works," he said.
Regarding his visit, Igor Dodik, an official of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) and the son of the party's leader, Milorad Dodik, told the Srna news agency that Trump Jr. is going to Bosnia "at his personal invitation" and the invitation was sent to him on "friendly grounds."
The RS Ministry of Internal Affairs announced earlier that, due to this activity, security measures in Banja Luka will be raised to a higher level, while a large number of streets in the city will be under a stricter traffic regime.
The leadership of the Republika Srpska entity, led by then-president Milorad Dodik, has openly supported current US president Donald Trump since his presidential campaign.
At the time, they hoped that sanctions, imposed due to threats to the Dayton Agreement, would be lifted.
Sanctions were lifted for almost the entire RS leadership at the end of October 2025. RS representatives also engaged lobbying companies in the US for the same purpose.
In early 2026, Dodik, who is now the former president of RS due to the final judgment of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the non-compliance with the decisions of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with his associates visited the US and met with several Trump administration officials.
Who is Donald Trump Jr.?
Donald Trump Jr. is the executive vice chairman of the Trump family company, the Trump Organization, and one of the most vocal promoters of the policies of his father, Donald Trump.
Although he does not hold an official position in the US administration, he has been active in Trump's presidential campaigns in both terms, through public appearances, election rallies, and media activities.
Trump Jr. has no official role in US administration decision-making, including foreign policy issues and current conflicts in the Middle East, including the US relationship with Iran.
His role is limited to political support and public activity.
In addition to his political engagement, Donald Trump Jr., as executive vice chairman of the Trump Organization, runs a company that manages hotels, business and residential complexes, golf courses, and brand licenses worldwide.
In this role, he often participates in talks about investments and business projects, including contacts in Europe.
He has stayed in Belgrade several times before, first in September 2024, when he met with businessmen in the Serbian capital.
Then, in March 2025, he held talks with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and at the end of April of that year he stayed in Belgrade again for meetings with representatives of the business community.
