Richard Grenell, US President Donald Trump’s envoy for special missions, shared a video from student protests in Serbia in a post on X, commenting that it is important to let different voices be heard, but that “there is no support for those who undermine the rule of law and forcefully invade state institutions.”

“It is always important to be able to raise your voice and be heard. But everyone must condemn violence and stick to peaceful demonstrations. The democratic process must be respected. We do not support those who undermine the rule of law and forcibly occupy state buildings. If you do not like the law or the leader, then work a shift – but do not resort to violence,” Grenell wrote.

This is the first reaction heard from the new US administration on the protests in Serbia that have been going on for weeks, due to the death of 15 people when a canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad train station. Students, who have been blocking universities for weeks, are demanding that their five demands be met – not including a change of government.

Richard Grenell was appointed envoy for special missions in Trump’s second term.

In his first term, he served as director of national intelligence agencies, was also ambassador to Germany and special presidential envoy for peace negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Grenell received the Order of the Serbian Flag, first degree, from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for “outstanding merits in developing and strengthening peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.”

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