Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's Affinity Global Development plans to invest over $1 billion to transform Sazan Island, Albania, into an ultra-luxury resort. The project, which received preliminary Albanian government approval in December 2024, involves clearing unexploded ordnance and developing the island while aiming to preserve its unique biodiversity. This move is part of a broader investment strategy in the Balkans, including Serbia, facilitated by former US ambassador Richard Grenell.
Sold to the Trump family: one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean
AlbaniaIvanka TrumpJared KushnerUnited StatesDonald TrumpDonald Trump Jr
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's Affinity Global Development plans to invest over $1 billion to transform Sazan Island, Albania, into an ultra-luxury resort. The project, which received preliminary Albanian government approval in December 2024, involves clearing unexploded ordnance and developing the island while aiming to preserve its unique biodiversity. This move is part of a broader investment strategy in the Balkans, including Serbia, facilitated by former US ambassador Richard Grenell.
Trending- 1 1946-1991: Albania's communist era, Sazan as military fortress
- 2 1970s: About 150 military families lived on Sazan
- 3 1991: Fall of communist regime, end of military isolation
- 4 1990s: Criminals attacked Sazan, looting weapons, leaving unexploded ordnance
- 5 2017-2021: Jared Kushner served as senior adviser to Trump
- 6 2019-2021: Richard Grenell served as Trump's special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo
- 7 2021: Jared Kushner first saw Sazan Island
- 8 May 2024: Aleksandar Vučić rolled out red carpet for Xi Jinping
- 9 July 2024: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner spoke about Sazan on Lex Fridman podcast; Kushner spoke about Sazan to the author; Kushner and Abehsera last spoke to author; Grenell spoke to Financial Times
- 10 August 2024: Abehsera met author for lunch in Vlorë
- 11 December 30, 2024: Preliminary approval from Albanian government for Kushner’s project
- 12 2024: Nearly 12 million foreign visitors to Albania (15% increase)
- 13 2025 (June 24): Article published
- Sazan Island will be developed into a luxury resort
- Potential environmental impact on Karaburun-Sazan maritime national park
- Increased tourism and investment in Albania
- Political controversy and criticism from opposition
- Serbia's president playing a dangerous game by cosying up to Trump's acolytes and refusing Russia sanctions
- Potential for advancing broader political strategy (keeping Serbia in Western sphere)
What: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's company, Affinity Global Development, is developing Sazan Island into a luxury resort.
When: Preliminary approval received on December 30, 2024; Kushner first saw the island in 2021; Ivanka Trump and Kushner spoke about it in July 2024; article published June 24, 2025.
Where: Sazan Island, off the coast of Albania, between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, at the entrance to the bay of Vlorë, in the strait of Otranto. Also, Belgrade, Serbia.
Why: To create an ultra-luxury tourism destination and expand their real-estate portfolio; Albania's government seeks luxury tourism and investment; Serbia seeks closer ties to the US.
How: By purchasing the island (or securing development rights), investing over $1 billion, clearing unexploded ordnance, hiring architects and brands, and working with the Albanian government which provides tax breaks and infrastructure.