Jared Kushner's Firm Withdraws from Controversial Belgrade Project Amid Corruption Scandal and Public Opposition

Kushner Firm Abandons Belgrade Development

Affinity Global Development, an investment company founded by Jared Kushner, has announced its withdrawal from a planned luxury development project in Belgrade, Serbia. The decision, confirmed on December 16, 2025, comes amidst a significant corruption scandal involving Serbian government officials and widespread public opposition to the project.

The proposed $500 million development aimed to transform the site of the former Yugoslav Army General Staff headquarters into a complex featuring a Trump-branded hotel, apartments, offices, and shops. A spokesperson for Kushner's firm stated, 'Because meaningful projects should unite rather than divide, and out of respect for the people of Serbia and the City of Belgrade, we are withdrawing our application and stepping aside at this time.'

Corruption Allegations and Official Indictments

The withdrawal closely followed the filing of an indictment by Serbian prosecutors against Culture Minister Nikola Selaković and three other officials on December 16, 2025. The officials are accused of abuse of official position and forgery of an official document related to the illegal removal of the site's cultural heritage status. This legal action intensified the controversy surrounding the project, which had been under scrutiny for months.

The Serbian government, under President Aleksandar Vučić, had signed a 99-year lease with Kushner's firm in 2024. This agreement reportedly included provisions for the removal of the cultural heritage designation and the demolition of the existing structures. In November 2025, the Serbian parliament passed a special law, known as 'Lex Specialis,' to fast-track the project and facilitate the removal of the protected status, a move that further fueled public outrage.

Public Outcry and Historical Significance

The project faced significant opposition from various groups, including anti-government protesters, opposition politicians, and the Association of Architects. The site of the former General Staff headquarters holds profound historical and emotional significance for Serbians, as it was heavily damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign. Critics argued that redeveloping the site would disrespect national history and a monument to those affected by the bombing.

Protesters organized demonstrations, including forming human chains around the bombed-out buildings, to voice their disapproval of the project and the government's handling of the cultural heritage status. While some sources indicate no wrongdoing on the part of Kushner or his firm, the escalating controversy proved insurmountable.

Government Reaction and Future Implications

President Aleksandar Vučić denied any government wrongdoing related to the project, characterizing the opposition as a 'witch hunt' and 'economic sabotage of Serbia.' He also stated his intention to file criminal charges against those he accused of undermining the investment. Milos Vucevic, head of Serbia's ruling SNS party, expressed concern that the withdrawal would negatively impact foreign investment in the country.