The former Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, signed a controversial agreement on behalf of the Serbian government with Kushner’s company for land and remains of the General Staff complex of the Serbian Army in central Belgrade. The deal also reportedly includes the historic Kasarna Sedmog Puka, a cultural monument located on the same plot, which was not disclosed at the time of signing.
This agreement has raised concerns, with critics labeling it as another secret contract made without economic logic and against the interests of the state, despite opposition from experts and citizens. The complex, located at the intersection of Kneza Miloša and Nemanjina streets, was destroyed in the 1999 NATO bombing.
Currently, no construction is taking place at the site, but Kushner’s company, “Affiniti Global Development,” is reportedly developing plans for the area. The Kasarna Sedmog Puka will not be demolished but will instead host the “Trump International Hotel“.
Although construction on the towers of the General Staff complex has not begun, the pre-sale of apartments in the future development is expected to begin in four months. The luxury complex will be called the Trump Towers, named after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election.
Despite earlier plans to transform the area into a public space with a library and cafes, the project has shifted toward luxury development. The Serbian government signed a lease agreement with Kushner’s company in May 2024, without public disclosure of the contract. The agreement allegedly includes the creation of a Memorial Complex dedicated to NATO bombing victims, which will remain state-owned.
Vesić stated that the land was leased for 99 years, not given away, and that the investor is obligated to finance the Memorial Complex. However, details on the contract remain unclear, with reports suggesting the land was leased without payment and the right to lease could be converted to ownership at no cost.
The project, estimated at $500 million, will feature a 175-room Trump hotel and three towers with over 1,500 residential units, covering more than 250,000 square meters. The New York Times reported that the project would also involve the company “Igl Hills,” co-owner of the Belgrade Waterfront development.
