Trump Tower in Tbilisi to be built on land partly owned by son of US-sanctioned Georgian leader

Plans for a Trump Tower in Tbilisi, Georgia, involve land partially owned by Uta Ivanishvili, the son of US-sanctioned billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, as per official documents. This skyscraper is a collaboration between the Trump Organization, led by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and a local consortium that includes Archi Group, Biograpi Living, Blox Group, Finvest Georgia, and the US-based Sapir Organization. The land belongs to the International Charity Fund Cartu, which is entirely owned by Cartu Group JSC, of which Uta Ivanishvili holds a 35% stake. Bidzina Ivanishvili, who chairs Georgia's ruling party, was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for actions undermining democracy. The remaining 65% of Cartu Group JSC is untraceable due to anonymous shareholdings. The Trump Organization's franchise agreement for the project has raised concerns about conflicts of interest. The proposed 70-storey tower will be the tallest in Georgia, situated on a former Soviet hippodrome. Critics argue this move is an effort by Ivanishvili to align himself with President Trump. Sandro Kevkhishvili from Transparency International Georgia highlighted the political implications of the land ownership linked to Georgian Dream. The White House directed inquiries to the Trump Organization, which has not provided a response.