Two special envoys from Romania, Dragoș Sprînceană and former Minister of Culture Lucian Romașcanu, were photographed at Mar-a-Lago, the private residence of former U.S. President Donald Trump, in what appears to be a discreet visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Romania and the United States, according to international media reports.
The visit, which was not officially announced by the Romanian government, was initiated by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. According to sources close to the Romanian administration, the main goal was to resume discussions on Romania’s inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, potentially lifting visa requirements for Romanian citizens traveling to the United States.
Although the government has not publicly confirmed the names of the envoys, businessman Dragoș Sprînceană acknowledged his role in the mission, while Lucian Romașcanu was seen in photos taken during the visit.
Sprînceană, who emigrated to the United States in 2002, is the founder of GoldCoast Logistics, a transportation company operating more than 650 trucks. His personal story spans humble beginnings — working as a lifeguard and real estate agent — to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He was previously affiliated with Romanian geopolitical figure Călin Georgescu but later distanced himself from him.
Lucian Romașcanu, a former Minister of Culture and current member of the European Court of Auditors, has a background in journalism, including as director of the tabloid CanCan. Despite lacking diplomatic experience, his close relationship with Prime Minister Ciolacu appears to have played a key role in his appointment to this unofficial mission.
Their appearance at Mar-a-Lago coincided with the visit of Argentine President Javier Milei, and the two Romanian envoys were reportedly seen near the South American leader during an event hosted by Donald Trump.
This visit comes amid growing diplomatic strain between Romania and the current Republican-led U.S. administration, following the cancellation of Romania’s 2024 presidential elections — an event that tarnished the country’s democratic image abroad.
Asked for clarification, the Romanian government has issued no official statement regarding the nature or outcomes of the visit. With no formal announcement, it remains unclear whether the mission led to any concrete progress on the visa issue or was primarily symbolic in nature.
