Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are facing growing backlash over plans to build a massive luxury resort on Sazan Island, an uninhabited and protected site off Albania's Adriatic coast. The project, valued at around $1.4 billion, has sparked protests and environmental concerns as construction plans move forward.

Ivanka first spoke publicly about the development during a recent appearance on the "Founders" podcast, calling it an "incredible project" with "massive in scale." She and Kushner are planning to turn the former Cold War military base into what their firm describes as an "eco-resort community," featuring hotels, private villas, and luxury amenities built into the natural landscape, People reported.

"We swam to the island, we went on a hike, barefoot all the way up to the top, and we were just captivated," Ivanka said, describing how the couple discovered the island years ago during a sailing trip.

The Albanian government gave preliminary approval to Kushner's proposal in late 2024, shortly before Donald Trump's second inauguration. Officials said the agreement includes a clause allowing the government to revoke approval if needed. The development also extends to the nearby Zvernec Peninsula, a sensitive coastal wetland area.

Ivanka Trump Project Faces Scrutiny

While Ivanka and Kushner have framed the project as a carefully designed tourism destination, critics say it threatens one of Albania's most important natural sites.

Environmental groups warn that construction could damage wildlife habitats, including protected bird species, sea turtles, and coastal wetlands.

Public anger has also grown inside Albania. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Tirana, chanting slogans such as "Albania is not for sale," as opposition builds against foreign-led development on the island. Some demonstrations have also taken place near the coastal construction areas, where clearing work has already begun.

Local environmental voices have been especially vocal. According to DailyMail, one ecologist described the island as a key part of national heritage and said the project represents a loss of public land and natural beauty.

Protesters argue the island should remain untouched, especially since it was once a restricted military zone and later became part of a protected marine park.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the development, saying it could help boost tourism and economic growth in one of Europe's poorer countries.

However, an anti-corruption investigation has also been reported into changes made to the island's protected status, adding further scrutiny to the deal.

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Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner