Milorad Dodik, President of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, has openly endorsed Donald Trump, calling him the preferred choice for Bosnian Serb leaders. Dodik, known for his strong rhetoric, previously stated he regrets not declaring the independence of Republika Srpska (RS) during Trump’s earlier term and suggested he wouldn’t hesitate to do so if Trump wins again.

“As a family man, Christian, Serb, father, grandfather, and above all, a rational and pragmatic politician, I sincerely hope for Donald Trump’s victory,” Dodik said. “America under his leadership would be one that understands diversity and brings about positive change, rather than imposing views that don’t resonate even within the US itself.”

While Dodik expresses support for Trump, it’s worth noting that US sanctions against him were first imposed during Trump’s administration. American professor and Burch University academic, Adis Maksic, believes a second Trump presidency might be different, given Trump’s current political circle.

“In his first term, Trump was surrounded by people who moderated his policies. Now, he’s mainly surrounded by loyalists,” Maksic said, adding that dozens of individuals have left Trump’s inner circle, recognizing the risks he poses primarily to the US itself.

Maksic doesn’t expect U.S. policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina to change significantly. “Whoever leads the next administration, Bosnia and Herzegovina likely won’t be high on their list of priorities,” he remarked.

Following Trump’s initial victory, Dodik was among the first to congratulate him, declaring it one of the greatest victories in US and global history. Recently, during a visit to Russia, Dodik told local media he would consider declaring RS independent if Trump were to win.

“If Trump wins, certain conditions may arise for that to happen. It’s still possible. I don’t think it’s right to say it will never happen,” Dodik stated, adding that he’s waiting for major powers to affirm that the Serbian people have the right to self-determination.

However, Dodik’s relations with the US have been tense in recent years, particularly with the American Embassy in Bosnia. The Embassy frequently rebukes Dodik, recently reminding him that the US has invested around $2 billion in Bosnia since 1995, including $638 million in Republika Srpska alone.