Georgian PM links future of ties with US to Trump’s win over "Deep State"

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze believes the future of U.S.-Georgian relations hinges on the outcome of former President Donald Trump's ongoing battle with the so-called “Deep State.”

“One of the key priorities of Donald Trump’s administration has been the fight against the 'Deep State',” Kobakhidze stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

“Everything depends on how this confrontation continues and ultimately concludes. Members of his own administration openly speak about this struggle. If President Trump succeeds in weakening the 'Deep State’s' influence, it will undoubtedly have a positive effect on U.S.-Georgian relations. If not, the current status quo will remain.”

The Georgian prime minister pointed to the recently passed MEGOBARI Act by the U.S. Congress and noted that American sanctions remain in effect, including those targeting Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Interior Minister.

“That’s why I emphasise this is not a case of passive silence or a passive position. We must change the current situation,” he said. “If there is genuine interest from the American side in resetting our relations, then concrete steps are necessary.”

Kobakhidze also stressed that any improvement in bilateral ties would require effort from both sides—not just Georgia.

Tensions between the United States and Georgia have escalated in recent months, particularly following the adoption of a controversial "foreign agents" law by the Georgian parliament—widely criticised in the West for its perceived resemblance to Russian legislation used to suppress civil society. The U.S. government responded by introducing the MEGOBARI Act (Mobilising and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence), signalling a shift toward more assertive oversight of bilateral relations.

The act includes provisions for potential sanctions against Georgian officials deemed responsible for undermining democratic institutions. In this context, Washington has already imposed targeted restrictions, including visa bans, on senior Georgian figures, such as the Interior Minister and the Vice Prime Minister, accusing them of actions inconsistent with democratic norms.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze and the ruling Georgian Dream party have accused segments of the U.S. political establishment of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs, while simultaneously expressing hope for a reset in relations—particularly under a potential second Trump administration.

By Khagan Isayev