Why a luxury resort plan by Trump’s son-in-law sparked mass protests in Albania

EuropeWhy a luxury resort plan by Trump’s son-in-law sparked mass protests in AlbaniaThe Jared Kushner-backed $1.6 billion project has drawn thousands of protesters — some wielding inflatable flamingos — to the streets of Albania’s capital over fears it threatens an ecologically protected area.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleBacklash in Albania over plans for new luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner02:50Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 7, 2026, 5:00 AM EDTBy Mithil Aggarwal, Raf Sanchez and Mo AbbasPresident Donald Trump’s son-in-law has a formidable new opponent: a pink flamingo.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The protected bird has emerged as the symbol of a surging protest movement against a Jared Kushner-backed plan for a luxury resort on the picturesque Adriatic coast.The $1.6 billion project has drawn thousands of protesters — some wielding inflatable flamingos — to the streets of Albania’s capital over fears the planned tourist complex threatens an ecologically sensitive area that is home to pristine beaches and a variety of protected species. Large protests in Tirana this week saw chants of “Albania is not for sale,” as demonstrators clashed with police, who responded with water cannons. Protesters gathered Thursday outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s residence chanting “revolution” and calling for his resignation.Protesters hold pink flamingo cutouts in Tirana, Albania, on Wednesday.Hameraldi Agolli / AP Photo/Hameraldi AgolliThe project is being led by Affinity Partners, Kushner’s investment firm. It includes plans to develop a stretch of coastline in the area of the protected Vjosa-Narta delta and the nearby uninhabited island of Sazan, which was once a secret communist military base.The 2.2 square mile island is roughly twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, though only a portion of the land area will be built on under t...