"Trump's Island"

All We Know About “Trump’s Island” in Albania

What’s really going on with ‘Trump’s Island’ in Albania? Here’s everything we know so far

You might’ve heard the rumors that have been going on for a while… and yes, they are true. According to The Guardian and other reliable sources, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and Ivanka Trump are behind a billion-euro resort project on a small, mysterious island off the coast of Albania.

Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far.

Where Is This “Trump Island”?

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Image source: Wikimedia

The project is based on Sazan Island, a beautiful island that sits just off the coast of Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian. It’s Albania’s largest island, yet it’s been uninhabited for decades; off-limits, mysterious, and wrapped in Cold War history.

Once a strategic military base, Sazan was used by both the Soviets and later the Albanian military. Its hidden tunnels, abandoned bunkers, and history of chemical weapons testing have long fueled curiosity for visitors.

You can already visit nearby by going on a boat trip, which is widely popular and accessible to witness its turquoise waters and raw, untouched terrain.

Who’s Behind the Project?

The development is led by Jared Kushner through his private equity firm Affinity Partners, which is backed by major investors (including Saudi funds).

  • Ivanka Trump is also involved.
  • Aman Resorts, a high-end hotel chain, will manage the luxury property.
  • Carbone, a popular restaurant brand, is in talks to handle food and drinks.

The project will include luxury villas, a hotel, restaurants, and possibly even a marina for yachts.

How Much Is Being Invested

Albania has approved the development and granted it “strategic investor” status. This means the estimated cost is over €1.4 billion, and the developers will get special benefits like tax breaks and fast-track permits. Also, the government expects this development will create around 1,000 new jobs!!

But What About the Environment?

This is where things get tricky. Sazan Island is inside a protected marine park, and environmentalists are raising red flags.

  • The island still has unexploded weapons and toxic chemicals.
  • It’s home to important wildlife and plant species.
  • Albania recently changed its laws to make developments in protected areas easier—which caused some controversy.

Supporters of the project say cleanup is part of the plan, and some of the bunkers will be preserved as part of the resort’s design.

A Cold War Past, A Luxury Future?

Once a forbidden island cloaked in secrecy, Sazan was home to Soviet bunkers, underground tunnels, and Cold War whispers. For years, it sat untouched, off-limits to the public, echoing with memories of military drills and hidden operations.

But now? It feels almost unreal to witness what’s coming next.

Sazan is on the edge of a complete transformation. From a ghost of Albania’s communist past, it’s set to become a playground for the ultra-wealthy, a high-end tourist destination wrapped in exclusivity. It somehow feels unreal to witness all this. Some might see opportunity: investment, jobs, and Albania stepping confidently into the global spotlight. Others might worry about what’s being lost: history, access, and authenticity.

What Happens Next?

A preliminary agreement has already been signed. The plan is in motion, even if the island still needs serious cleanup before anything is built. Decades of abandonment left behind a mess of crumbling bunkers, barbed wire, and decay, but that’s all part of the process now.

Meanwhile, a brand-new airport near Vlorë is under construction, aiming to make the area more accessible for international visitors. The bigger picture is clear: Albania is preparing to welcome high-end tourism on a scale it’s never seen before.

What’s interesting is that the final design is expected to keep some of Sazan’s original military features. It won’t be a full erase, it’ll be a transformation. A contrast between old and new, secrecy and luxury.

Here’s a summarised table to give you a better insight of what this major project involves:

Summary Table

TopicDetails
LocationSazan Island, near Vlorë
DevelopersJared Kushner & Ivanka Trump
BrandsAman Resorts (hotel), Carbone (dining)
CostOver €1.4 billion
JobsEstimated 1,000+
ConcernsEnvironmental impact, past military use
StatusApproved, but construction hasn’t started

Sources & Further Reading

Here are the most credible sources reporting on this story:


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