Chris LaCivita, a senior strategist for Donald Trump’s 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, is advising Albania’s opposition Democratic Party (PD) ahead of the country’s May 11 elections, but says he has no plans to register as a foreign agent in the United States.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, LaCivita said his involvement is limited to Albania and does not aim to influence U.S. policymakers, distancing his role from obligations under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
“I’m not trying to influence any American political figure,” LaCivita told the newspaper. “My activities are entirely focused on Albania.”
The Republican strategist has reportedly made three trips to Albania in recent months, participating in campaign rallies and helping design the PD’s media strategy. He has also joined virtual meetings with thousands of Albanian voters and appeared at public events.
Financial details of LaCivita’s engagement remain unclear. He told the Journal that his compensation is “comparable to a national political campaign,” while local experts estimate the value of his work could exceed $1 million. He said the Democratic Party would disclose payment details after the election.
LaCivita drew parallels between the legal challenges faced by former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and those confronting Trump in the U.S., saying both were targeted by political adversaries.
“These are the same people who carried out similar tactics against Trump — their fingerprints are all over this case,” he said.
The PD leader, Berisha, has dismissed corruption accusations as politically motivated. LaCivita has echoed Trump-style campaign rhetoric in Albania, blaming the ruling Socialist Party for inflation and crime.
“In 2024, the left tried to imprison Donald Trump and failed. In 2025, in Albania, the socialists are trying to imprison their entire opposition. They will fail,” LaCivita said during the PD’s campaign launch.
According to the Wall Street Journal, LaCivita said he would like to take on more international clients but expects to be limited next year due to his commitments with U.S. midterm election campaigns.
