US President Donald Trump has issued a strong endorsement for Republican Senator Jim Risch as he seeks re-election, praising him as an “exceptional man” who will “never let you down.”
In a statement, President Trump commended the Idaho senator for his leadership on key conservative priorities, including economic growth, border security, military support, and energy dominance. Trump also highlighted Risch’s tenure as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, saying he had been “fighting tirelessly to advance our America First Agenda.”
Risch, a senior Republican senator, has been a vocal advocate for stronger US-Georgia relations and was instrumental in introducing the MEGOBARI Act. The legislation, which is set to be reviewed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 27, aims to impose sanctions on individuals seen as “undermining democracy” in Georgia.
The endorsement comes amid a long-standing dispute between Risch and the ruling Georgian Dream party. The senator has repeatedly expressed concerns over what he described as Georgia’s democratic backsliding, drawing sharp criticism from Georgian officials.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and ruling Georgian Dream party Secretary General Kakha Kaladze have both taken aim at Risch, accusing him of interference in the country’s internal affairs. In September, Kobakhidze condemned Risch’s remarks during a Senate hearing, in which the senator suggested that Georgian voters would have an opportunity in October 2024 to “remove the rascals out and take a hold of their own future.”
“Such a level and degree of incivility cannot be displayed by people in the US Congress,” Kobakhidze responded, calling Risch’s comments “very disturbing and heartbreaking.”
Kaladze has been even more critical, labeling Risch a “rascal” and an “enemy of Georgia.” He argued that anyone who speaks negatively about Georgia was against the country, regardless of their nationality. “Anyone who treats my country, my people, and makes such statements is an enemy,” he claimed.
In recent remarks, both Kaladze and Kobakhidze have accused Risch and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of being aligned with what they refer to as the “Deep State,” a term often used by conspiracy theorists to describe an alleged shadow government.
Responding to their sponsorship of the MEGOBARI Act, Kaladze claimed the senators were part of the same “Deep State” that President Trump had vowed to dismantle. “These two people represent the Deep State that Trump is fighting,” he said, adding that the proposed legislation held “no essential importance” for Georgia.
The MEGOBARI Act, co-sponsored by Risch and Shaheen, underscores growing tensions between Washington and Tbilisi over concerns regarding democracy and governance in Georgia.
