Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has suggested that U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan was prevented from attending Georgia’s May 26 Independence Day event due to the influence of the American “deep state.” Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze claimed that Ambassador Dunnigan “very much wanted” to participate, but was blocked from doing so, highlighting what he sees as a broader issue within the U.S. foreign policy establishment.

“The congratulations issued by the U.S. State Department lacked an addressee, which reflects an incorrect and disrespectful approach,” Kobakhidze stated. He argued this omission is further evidence of “deep state” interference, bypassing the democratically elected Georgian government.

“Our government is elected by the Georgian people, and dismissing it in such a way is not only unjustified but also an insult to our citizens,” he said, referencing the October 2023 elections, in which over 1.1 million Georgians voted for the ruling party.

The Prime Minister further alleged that internal power struggles in the U.S.—specifically between the “Trump administration” and the “deep state”—are affecting bilateral relations. According to Kobakhidze, the U.S. statement and the ambassador’s absence from the national celebration were shaped by unelected bureaucratic forces within Washington.

He also challenged the perception of American aid to Georgia, arguing that Tbilisi’s contributions to U.S.-led military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan far outweighed the direct assistance received. “Financial transfers to NGOs do not count as aid,” he said, echoing a stance he attributed to the Trump administration.

“Statements implying that Georgia wouldn’t exist without U.S. support are baseless and arrogant,” Kobakhidze added. “Our nation has a history of 3,000 years and a statehood that spans over 23 centuries.”

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated his belief that Ambassador Dunnigan was excluded from the event due to pressure from within the U.S. government and expressed hope that the Trump faction would prevail over what he described as entrenched bureaucratic forces.

“This system is trapped in bureaucracy. If the ‘deep state’ continues to dictate diplomatic conduct, its statements carry no value for us,” Kobakhidze declared.