The anticipated return of Donald Trump to a central role in U.S. politics has led to increased scrutiny of his foreign policy appointments, particularly in the Balkans. One of Trump’s key moves is the appointment of John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, a choice signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward a more supportive stance for Kosovo—a decision observed with caution in Serbia. Ratcliffe, known for his strong pro-Kosovo views, served as Director of National Intelligence during the final months of Trump’s first term, where he oversaw U.S. intelligence agencies amid the COVID-19 pandemic and managed efforts to counter foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election.
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| John Ratcliffe making the Albanian double-headed eagle symbol with his hands. Photo circulating on the Internet from various sources but the original source cannot be determined. |
Kosovo media outlets have noted Ratcliffe’s longstanding ties with the Albanian-American community and his support for Kosovo’s independence and broader Albanian issues in the Balkans. In 2016, Ratcliffe attended the Albanian Diaspora National Economic Forum and gave a speech at an event organized by the Albanian-American network. His advocacy has drawn critical coverage in Serbian media, with Serbian outlet Novosti accusing Ratcliffe of supporting so-called “secessionist” ideas among Albanians in the region.
Serbian media have also drawn attention to a photograph of Ratcliffe making the double-headed eagle hand gesture, seen by some as a nationalist symbol of “Greater Albania,” which they interpret as a potential threat to regional stability. The symbolism is viewed as challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring states.
With the Senate, now controlled by Republicans, set to confirm Ratcliffe’s appointment, this nomination suggests that U.S. support for Kosovo’s independence and its wider interests may intensify. For many in the region, Ratcliffe’s confirmation would indicate a continuation of a more pro-Albanian policy from Washington under Trump’s potential influence, reshaping expectations for future U.S. engagement in the Balkans.