Trump dials up Serbia: Vučić takes first call in regional lineup

Nov. 11, 2024 – President-Elect Donald Trump has engaged in his first regional conversation since his re-election, speaking with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The warm and informal exchange marks the start of Trump’s outreach efforts with leaders worldwide following his recent electoral success.

According to Vučić, the call was "warm and substantive," covering key regional topics, with Trump showing an impressive familiarity with Serbia’s achievements. "We even discussed Serbia’s recent sporting successes," Vučić said in a message posted on social media.

The President-Elect, who will formally take office on January 20, 2025, has limited formal authority at present, given that U.S. law stipulates only one sitting president at a time. However, Trump has already begun reaching out to international leaders, signaling his early priorities on the world stage.

Vučić was among the first to congratulate Trump on his win, potentially aiding his inclusion in Trump’s list of priority calls.The call between the two leaders has caught analysts’ attention, with some suggesting Trump’s re-election could boost Serbia’s confidence in the Balkans. Though informal, this early outreach hints at Trump’s possible foreign policy directions, and experts like Professor Daniel Serwer think a closer U.S.-Serbia relationship could impact regional dynamics.