U.S. Secretary of State Labels Georgia's Ruling Party 'Anti-American' Amid Growing Tensions
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, May 22, 2025
In a congressional hearing held on May 21 before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), as an "anti-American government." The remarks were made in response to pointed questions from Congressman Joe Wilson, who expressed concern over the current political trajectory in Tbilisi.
"For over 200 days, freedom-seeking Georgians have taken to the streets, many draped in American flags and displaying images of the U.S. president," Wilson said during the session. He pressed Secretary Rubio on what concrete measures the State Department might adopt under his leadership to hold the Georgian Dream leadership accountable.
Rubio reiterated that U.S. foreign policy is grounded in national interest, stating: "We have to ask ourselves: is it in our national interest to see a government that is openly anti-American in such a strategic region? If the answer is no, then it is our responsibility to act accordingly."
He emphasized that the administration is currently reviewing policy options. "We are exploring measures, though I don't have a specific announcement to make today. It's an active discussion," he noted, adding that regional experts and U.S. officials on the ground in Georgia are being consulted to identify pressure points most likely to influence GD leadership.
During the hearing, Rep. Wilson accused Georgian Dream of undermining democratic norms, including allegations of election manipulation during the October 26 vote and suppressing ties with the United States. He further charged the party with expelling American businesses, obstructing access to key trade routes like the Middle Corridor, and fostering closer ties with China's Communist Party. Wilson also claimed GD has vilified both President Trump and broader American leadership.
Rubio's comments reflect a broader deterioration in U.S.-Georgia relations, marked by concerns over democratic backsliding, increased authoritarianism, and inflammatory anti-Western rhetoric from GD officials.
Tensions were further escalated earlier this month when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the MEGOBARI Act on May 6 with bipartisan backing. The bill calls for targeted sanctions against individuals affiliated with GD, citing systemic abuses and growing hostility toward U.S. interests.
In response, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze issued an open letter on May 13 addressed to President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. In the letter, he condemned the MEGOBARI Act as "absurd" and "hostile" toward what he described as a democratically elected government. The letter conveyed frustration over what Kobakhidze sees as Washington's dismissal of GD's attempts to "reset" bilateral ties.
