The US Embassy in Tbilisi has responded to claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) financed a training program aimed at organizing mass unrest within Georgia. The embassy’s remarks came in response to statements issued by Georgia’s intelligence service and were first reported by the Russian news agency TASS. According to the embassy, the allegations regarding one of the supported projects are inaccurate and significantly misrepresent the very purpose of the assistance provided to Georgia. The diplomatic mission emphasized that USAID has a long history of cooperation with Georgia, dating back to 1992, and pointed to the transparent nature of the aid it delivers. The embassy also noted an ongoing partnership of more than two years with the Canvas organization, under which joint activities have included training programs designed for mothers seeking improved care for children with cancer and for lawyers who specialize in protecting the rights of the elderly.
On October 2, Irakli Kobakhidze, the chairman of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, commented that Washington should issue a formal statement regarding USAID funding for activities that prepare Georgian citizens for unrest and potentially challenge the government. Kobakhidze’s remarks reflect concerns raised by some Georgian political figures about foreign assistance programs and their perceived political implications.
The broader conversation around foreign aid to Georgia has periodically revisited promises of support in various regional contexts, including prior commitments related to Karabakh. Observers note that aid programs often attract scrutiny from domestic stakeholders who seek to ensure that international assistance is aligned with local sovereignty and democratic processes. The embassy’s position remains that USAID’s work in Georgia is conducted with transparency and accountability, and that its objectives center on strengthening institutions, health care access, and the rule of law.