Former Arizona AG Brnovich Appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Serbia by Trump

Arizona’s former attorney general, Mark Brnovich, has been appointed as the new U.S. ambassador to Serbia, a position announced by President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Brnovich, a Republican, has expressed his commitment to advancing U.S. interests in the central Balkan region.

President Trump lauded Brnovich as a strong advocate for freedom, emphasizing his background as a veteran of the Army National Guard and his personal history as the son of refugees who escaped communism. “Mark will always put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump stated, highlighting Brnovich’s dedication to his roots.

Brnovich, who has frequently visited Serbia due to his family ties—his mother emigrated from Yugoslavia in the 1950s—served as Arizona’s chief legal officer from 2015 to 2023. His tenure saw a controversial run for the U.S. Senate, where he faced criticism from Trump for not attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, which he initially deemed unfounded.

Following his Senate campaign, Brnovich attempted a congressional bid, during which he shifted his stance on election integrity, leading his office to investigate alleged vulnerabilities in the electoral process, although the findings lacked substantial evidence.

He replaces Christopher Robert Hill, who served as ambassador until January. Brnovich steps into the role amid rising tensions regarding a luxury complex planned for Belgrade, built upon land associated with a former military headquarters destroyed during NATO’s 1999 bombing. The project includes a controversial 175-room hotel financed by Jared Kushner’s firm, drawing significant public opposition.

Recent protests have centered around the desire to protect the site’s heritage status, feeding into broader anti-corruption sentiments against the administration of President Aleksandar Vucic. With these challenges ahead, Brnovich’s leadership will be closely scrutinized in the evolving political landscape of Serbia.