The nominee of former U.S. President Donald Trump for Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, has appeared before the U.S. Senate, outlining his priorities if confirmed for the post.
In his opening statement, Wendt said he was honored by his nomination by Trump and emphasized that he has more than 34 years of service in the United States military, including infantry duty and service in the elite “Green Berets.”
He also highlighted his experience in international missions and cooperation with the Albanian military within NATO and in Afghanistan, praising Albanian troops as highly professional and disciplined.
Regarding his priorities, the nominee stressed that his main focus would be combating corruption, organized crime, and drug trafficking, as well as strengthening U.S.–Albania security cooperation.
He added that another key priority would be deepening economic relations and improving the investment climate for American businesses in Albania.
Wendt also emphasized the importance of protecting U.S. citizens, strengthening cybersecurity, and enhancing NATO capabilities.
Key points from his statement:
He expressed gratitude for his military service, noting decades of experience across infantry and special forces, as well as his role in coordinating multinational security efforts involving Israel and the Palestinian Authority while serving with the U.S. State Department.
After retiring from military service, he taught leadership and command at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
He also shared personal details about his family’s military service, describing them as a “family that loves the United States” and is committed to public service.
Wendt recalled his cooperation with Albanian special forces, stating that as a NATO special operations commander, Albanian troops served under his command and that he worked alongside them in Albania and Afghanistan.
He said Albanian special forces “embody the fighting spirit of the Albanian hero Skanderbeg,” while describing the Albanian people as proud, hardworking, and hospitable.
If confirmed, he said his mission would follow four main lines of effort:
First, making America safer by supporting efforts against corruption, international organized crime, and drug trafficking linked to Latin American cartels.
Second, making America more secure by supporting Albania’s progress toward NATO commitments, including increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, as well as strengthening cyber defense and military cooperation.
Third, promoting economic prosperity by encouraging fair legal and contractual conditions for American investment in sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy, infrastructure, and mining.
Fourth, strengthening the embassy itself and focusing on personnel welfare, both professionally and personally.
He concluded by expressing readiness to work with the Senate committee and Albanian partners if confirmed.
