Georgian authorities push back against US ambassador’s farewell interview

The final interview of outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, has sparked strong criticism from the Georgian government, adding further strain to the already tense U.S.-Georgia relations.

Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ambassador Dunnigan characterised an unofficial letter sent by the ruling Georgian Dream party to U.S. President Donald Trump as “threatening, insulting, unserious,” claiming it had been “received extremely poorly in Washington, extremely poorly,” Caliber.Az reports.

She also revealed that she had attempted to meet with Bidzina Ivanishvili to deliver a response from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but was rebuffed. Dunnigan further suggested that "most people in the world recognize that Bidzina Ivanishvili runs the government.

In response, MP Irakli Kadagishvili of the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party accused the Ambassador of fuelling divisive narratives.

“The final interview and subsequent remarks by Ms Dunnigan have only served to deepen tensions in U.S.-Georgia relations and spark speculative debate,” Kadagishvili said.

Addressing allegations that Ivanishvili prioritises personal gain over national interest, Kadagishvili rejected the claims as baseless. “Such accusations stem from a narrow view of personal interest as financial, whereas Mr Ivanishvili has repeatedly renounced such pursuits,” he said.
“I can speculate that Bidzina Ivanishvili is putting his personal interests above the interests of the country,” the MP added.

Kadagishvili also drew attention to a congratulatory letter from President Trump to Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and the Georgian people on the occasion of Independence Day—remarking that the message has yet to be published on the U.S. Embassy’s official website.

According to the MP, the letter underscores Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.

Highlighting a shift in Washington’s political landscape, Kadagishvili noted that Ambassador Dunnigan had been appointed under a Democratic administration, whereas Republicans are now in power.

He concluded that a new ambassador is needed—someone who would adopt a more positive and constructive approach to relations with Georgia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev