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North Macedonia’s prime minister, Hristijan Mickoski, gave a headline-grabbing interview published Aug. 24, 2026, saying his government “strongly” supports President Donald Trump and describing a string of contacts with Trump allies and U.S. envoys. The exclusive interview lays out a clear pivot in Skopje toward deeper ties with Washington on security, trade, and energy — and it comes with an open invitation for more American engagement in the Balkans.
Macedonia’s bold embrace of President Trump
Mickoski did not whisper his support. He told the interviewer that North Macedonia backed President Trump before the 2024 vote and even hosted a delegation of Trump‑aligned figures in mid‑2024, naming Devin Nunes, Chris Pavlovski of Rumble, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick among visitors. He said a Macedonian delegation attended President Trump’s inauguration and that he is in close contact with Special Presidential Envoy Ric Grenell. That is a clear, public alignment with Washington’s current administration — and a reminder that small states can pick a strong partner and stick with it.
Promises on trade and a presidential visit
Mickoski also made a concrete economic pitch. He said North Macedonia already negotiated a zero‑tariff framework for U.S. goods and hopes to sign a bilateral trade agreement during the United Nations General Assembly. He repeated an open invitation for President Trump to visit Skopje, claiming Trump polls highest in his country. Whether you see it as smart diplomacy or plain courting of an administration, the message is simple: Skopje wants more U.S. investment, LNG supplies, and political cover as it navigates a fraught road toward Europe.
Energy, LNG and American business in the Balkans
The prime minister put energy front and center. Mickoski said he’s discussing American LNG trade with U.S. diplomatic channels in the region and pitched North Macedonia as a gateway for U.S. energy and commerce in the Balkans. That’s good news for American exporters and for regional security. It’s also a reminder that when Brussels stalls on EU accession and bureaucratic niceties, capitals like Skopje will look to Washington and American business for practical solutions. Expect to see more talks with U.S. companies and envoys — and yes, expect the private‑sector players to keep showing up at the negotiating table.
Why Washington should welcome a reliable ally
From a conservative perspective, Mickoski’s interview is a welcome, no‑nonsense signal from a NATO partner that wants closer ties with the United States. Washington should answer in kind: meet, sign agreements, and push energy and trade projects that strengthen the Balkans and American influence there. If the Biden‑era friends in Brussels are slow to act, the U.S. can step up where it matters — security, LNG, and open markets. In short, Skopje has rolled out the red carpet; now it’s time for Washington to RSVP.
