PBS NewsHour spoke with Albanians protesting in the streets against the takeover of Sazan

JUN 12 2026 · 20:17

PBS NewsHour spoke with Albanians protesting in the streets against the takeover of Sazan Island, their country's only island, by Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner. ￭ Kushner's private equity firm reportedly plans to develop Sazan Island into a luxury resort. The project has drawn scrutiny from anti-corruption authorities and sparked widespread protests from locals, who argue that the island is a protected environmental area that should remain accessible to the public. ￭ Protesters rejected Ivanka Trump's claim that she "discovered" the island, stressing that Sazan belongs to the Albanian people. One tour guide said he visits the island dozens of times each year and does not want it sold. Others expressed disappointment, saying they have long admired the US for its democratic values and principles, and believe those ideals should apply equally to Sazan Island. #VPol