TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A group of architects from Donald Trump's presidential campaigns have gathered in Albania to assist a candidate who aims to emulate Trump's political style in the upcoming elections. Among them are Chris LaCivita, a co-campaign manager for Trump’s successful 2024 presidential run, long-time Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio, and Paul Manafort, who was Trump’s 2016 campaign chairman before his conviction in 2018 for lobbying violations related to Ukraine.
The trio is consulting for Sali Berisha, the former Prime Minister and president, and leader of Albania’s opposition Democratic Party. Berisha is campaigning against incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama, despite facing corruption charges and a travel ban to the U.S.
LaCivita humorously remarked, “It’s the only Democrat Party I would ever consider working for,” as he returned to Albania for his third visit leading up to the elections. Berisha is hopeful that a victory could lead to a reversal of sanctions preventing him from entering the United States. To bolster his campaign, he has also entered into a two-year, $6 million contract with the Republican consulting and lobbying firm Continental Strategy, which employs Katie Wiles, the daughter of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. However, Wiles is not involved in servicing Berisha's contract.
The engagement of U.S. political strategists by foreign candidates is a long-standing practice, but Berisha’s decision to publicly align with Trump’s team highlights the appeal of leveraging Trump’s populist approach. The perception of having connections to U.S. leaders is seen as advantageous for candidates in many countries, including Albania.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has his own connections to Trump allies, having approved negotiations for a luxury resort development on Sazan Island with Jared Kushner’s company, Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC, which is tied to Trump.
Throughout his campaign, Berisha has styled himself as a champion of Trump-like populism, framing his struggle as a fight against external political pressures, particularly from George Soros, a target of conservative rhetoric. He initially launched his campaign with the slogan “Make Albania Great Again,” only to modify it due to concerns about potential interpretations related to regional tensions over Albanian nationalism. His rebranded slogan is to promise to make Albania “grandiose.”
Berisha also sports his own version of a campaign hat, featuring the number one, symbolizing the Democrats’ position on the ballot. The results of recent elections in Canada and Australia showcase a backlash against candidates perceived as too closely tied to Trump; however, in other nations such ties have proven beneficial, as seen with figures like Javier Milei in Argentina and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador.
The Democratic Party in Albania regards the hiring of Trump’s former strategists as a strategic victory, claiming the consultants are involved in all facets of the campaign, from strategy formulation to public relations. LaCivita has been vocal about Berisha's narrative, highlighting similarities between the challenges faced by both leaders regarding perceived political victimization.
The collaboration also extends to a recently signed lobbying contract with Continental Strategy, which will cost $250,000 monthly. This contract is intended to foster connections with U.S. lawmakers and to promote democratic values and anti-corruption efforts within Albania. The firm, led by Trump ally Carlos Trujillo, aims to improve U.S.-Albanian relations and advocate for the removal of Berisha's “non grata” status, imposed by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken due to alleged corruption.
The push for Berisha’s reintegration into U.S. political life has raised eyebrows domestically and has sparked investigations by Albania's anti-corruption institutions. Funding for these initiatives reportedly comes from a foundation linked to Albanian-American benefactors, although details about the foundation's financial source remain vague.
Berisha has made statements about Trump’s presidency being a “miracle for humanity,” expressing intentions to appeal for a review of his restrictions as a persona non grata. LaCivita has drawn parallels between the experiences of Trump and Berisha, framing both as targets of unjust political persecution. This exposure marks a distinct approach for foreign political clients, where U.S. involvement in their electoral battles is overtly celebrated.
As the elections draw near, the impact of hiring these prominent U.S. consultants remains to be seen, potentially shaping both Albania's political landscape and the ongoing relationship between U.S. political tactics and international aspirations.
