Trump Island: Ivanka and Jared Kushner Invest $1.4 Billion in Luxury Resort on Albania’s Sazan Island

Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, are developing an ultra-luxury resort on Sazan Island in Albania at a cost of $1.4 billion, according to reports. This enigmatic destination is set for a transformation but not without challenges tied to its dark past. Despite its breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, tropical forests, and subtropical climate, Sazan Island—locally nicknamed “Ishulli i Trumpëve” or “Trump Island”—carries a heavy military history. Located at the entrance of the Bay of Vlorë in the Strait of Otranto separating Italy from Albania, it served as a strategic submarine and chemical weapons base for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Until the 1970s, about 150 military families lived there with facilities like housing, a theater, school, and hospital. Beneath the surface lies a network of underground bunkers and tunnels designed to withstand even nuclear attacks. Warning signs with skulls remind visitors of landmines scattered across the island. While parts will remain untouched, significant areas need clearing of explosives. Today, the island remains under Albanian military control, with only three sailors stationed permanently. In summer 2017, a small section opened to the public for the first time, offering glimpses into pristine beaches, ruined military structures, and remnants of the Cold War. Surrounded by pristine waters, steep cliffs, and secluded coves, Sazan offers stunning views of the Ionian and Adriatic seas, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Speaking on Lex Fridman’s popular podcast in July 2024, Ivanka revealed plans for the island: “We’re working together; we have this 1,400-acre island in the Mediterranean, bringing in top architects.” Kushner described his vision of creating the ideal retreat for family and friends, expressing surprise upon discovering such an unexploited gem in the Mediterranean in 2021. On December 30, 2024, the Albanian government approved the project, granting strategic investor status to Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC, linked to Kushner. The planned investment, valued at €1.4 billion, meets employment criteria, with up to 1,000 jobs expected during construction and operation phases.