As the 119th Congress gears up for its opening session on January 3rd, one Republican lawmaker is pushing the incoming Trump administration to take a stronger stand against foreign threats. South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson is calling on key figures in the new administration—Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Michael Waltz—to use U.S. law enforcement to crack down on illicit activities tied to Georgia.
In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Wilson urges the U.S. to take a tougher approach against “sanctions evasion schemes,” scam call centers, and other shady Georgian operations that he claims are benefitting Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire and de facto ruler of Georgia, who has been linked to Russia’s growing aggression in Ukraine.
Sanctions Target Ivanishvili
This call comes after the U.S. Treasury slapped sanctions on Ivanishvili for his role in undermining Georgia’s democratic progress and strengthening ties with Russia. Wilson views this as a “significant step” but believes it’s just the beginning. In his letter, he asks the administration to extend these sanctions to Ivanishvili’s close family members and associates, emphasizing that removing Georgia’s corrupt leadership is key to halting the flow of money that fuels Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“This is an opportunity to push back against malign actors and strengthen the defense of democracy worldwide,” Wilson writes. “If Georgia were to return to rule by the people, it would deprive these aggressor nations of a critical ally.”
Georgian Dream’s Troubles and Growing Tensions
Wilson’s plea comes after months of unrest in Georgia, particularly following a controversial election in October. The government’s decision to pause its bid for European Union membership only added to the tension, sparking daily protests across the country. Both local and international observers, including the International Republican Institute (IRI), found the elections to be deeply flawed, calling into question the legitimacy of Georgia’s leadership.
Despite calls for new elections, the Georgian government has remained defiant. On December 29th, they inaugurated Mikheil Kavelashvili as president, a controversial figure with ties to hard-line anti-Western ideologies. However, his inauguration ceremony was noticeably absent of foreign dignitaries, highlighting Georgia’s growing isolation on the international stage.
Georgian Officials Remain Optimistic About Trump’s Presidency
Even with sanctions looming, Georgian officials remain hopeful about the incoming Trump administration. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze downplayed the significance of the sanctions, suggesting that they wouldn’t change much for Georgia. He, along with other leaders, expressed optimism that the new administration would take a friendlier approach toward Georgia, especially given their shared interest in countering China and Iran.
However, experts aren’t so sure. Laura Linderman, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council, argues that Georgia’s hopes for a softer stance under Trump are misguided. She believes Trump’s national security team would likely continue to support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions, leaving little room for the country to align itself with authoritarian regimes like Russia or China.
A Changing Relationship with Russia and China
In recent years, Georgia’s government, under Ivanishvili’s leadership, has drifted away from the West and formed closer ties with authoritarian regimes, including Russia and China. They’ve welcomed Chinese companies over American investments and even adopted laws similar to Russia’s “foreign agent” legislation. The country’s growing partnership with Iran, exemplified by PM Kobakhidze’s visits to Tehran, further isolates Georgia from the U.S. and its allies.
James Carafano from the Heritage Foundation puts it bluntly: “Governments that cozy up to Moscow and Beijing will find that ‘playtime is over.’ If there are U.S. interests at stake, they’re going to face more than just a cold shoulder from Trump—they’ll face consequences.”
The Road Ahead for Georgia
As tensions rise between Georgia and the West, the path forward is uncertain. Wilson’s call for stronger sanctions and a tougher stance from the U.S. could shape the future of Georgia’s relationship with the West. Will Georgia return to its democratic roots, or will it continue down a path that aligns more closely with Moscow and Beijing? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, lawmakers like Wilson remain committed to holding Georgia accountable, ensuring that the U.S. prioritizes democracy and peace in a rapidly changing global landscape.
