One protester, Teodora Smiljanic, told Reuters that Vučić might be trying to please Trump by allowing the $500 million development in return for U.S sanctions being lifted against NIS, Serbia's sole, Russian-owned oil refinery, which faces measures from Washington, raising concerns about fuel supplies this winter.

A jury also found Trump liable for defaming the longtime advice columnist when he made comments in October 2022 denying her allegation.