Wiles’ departure brings Republika Srpska lobbying links back into focus

Wiles hosted Zeljka Cvijanovic, the Serb member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s three-member Presidency, at the White House on September 21, ahead of Bosnia’s general election.

Her daughter Katie is a partner at Continental Strategy, which has a lobbying agreement with Republika Srpska, the predominantly Serb entity that, alongside the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, makes up the country.

Stephen Miller will succeed Wiles on November 9. She will continue working for Trump’s political organisation.

There is no confirmed indication that her departure will affect the lobbying arrangement or US policy towards Bosnia.

White House contacts

Cvijanovic said her meeting with Wiles covered developments in Bosnia and the wider region, with further discussions planned.

The Financial Times reported that the meeting was requested by Alex Garcia, a Continental partner who served as deputy political director of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

An agreement filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act provides for a $35,000 monthly fee. Continental’s responsibilities include arranging meetings and establishing relationships with officials in the executive and legislative branches.

The agreement establishes the contractual fee, rather than the amount actually paid.

Continental’s response

Continental confirmed that Katie Wiles visited Republika Srpska in August, but said she travelled for a separate American corporate client conducting a feasibility study.

The firm said Katie Wiles had not discussed Republika Srpska with US government officials. It identified Garcia as its only representative lobbying the US government on the entity’s behalf.

A White House official told the Financial Times that Susie Wiles does not discuss business matters with her daughters.

Continental also featured in reporting about Trump political advisers Chris LaCivita and James Blair’s visit to Bosnia before the October 4 election.

Semafor reported, citing three people familiar with the trip, that Continental helped arrange it. The firm subsequently disputed that account, with spokesperson Melissa Stone saying it was wrong to report that Continental Strategy had organised the election-day trip.

Continental said Garcia was its only employee in Republika Srpska on election day.

The reporting documents contacts between Bosnian Serb representatives and Trump’s circle, alongside a disclosed lobbying contract. It does not establish that Wiles’ departure will alter those relationships.