A verified social media photo shows Katie Wiles, the daughter of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, traveling to Republika Srpska, the Bosnian-controlled territory led by pro-Russian Serb politician Milorad Dodik. The image, originally shared online by conservative activist Evi Kokalari, features Wiles holding a rifle alongside Željko Budimir, the interior minister of the semi-autonomous region. CBS News verified that the picture was captured at a shooting range in northern Republika Srpska during a mid-August trip. A spokesperson for Continental Strategy, a Washington-based lobbying firm where Wiles is a partner, confirmed the visit, explaining that Wiles was conducting business for a U.S.-based client and did not speak with any U.S. government officials regarding the region. Federal Foreign Agents Registration Act filings reviewed by CBS News indicate that Continental Strategy registered to lobby for Republika Srpska in early 2026. A White House official stated that Susie Wiles does not discuss work matters with her daughters. Meanwhile, President Trump distanced himself from two key political advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, after reports emerged that they traveled to assist Dodik’s pro-Russia party during Bosnian elections. Trump stated that the consultants are independent individuals, though he vowed to terminate them immediately if a conflict existed. The revelations follow recent scrutiny regarding U.S. lobbying efforts and a major $1.5 billion energy pipeline project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. House Democrats published a report last month accusing the administration of lifting sanctions against Dodik to benefit Trump allies, an allegation the White House defended by stating the policy change was enacted to prevent regional instability in the Balkans.
Source: cbsnews.com
