A planned Trump Tower in Tbilisi, Georgia, is set to be constructed on land currently part-owned by Uta Ivanishvili, the son of Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire politician under US sanctions, according to official records. The skyscraper is a joint venture between a local consortium and the Trump Organization, managed by Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump.
The land is registered to the International Charity Fund Cartu, which is solely owned by Cartu Group JSC. Cartu Group JSC is 35% owned by Uta Ivanishvili, who reduced his stake from 100% in 2024 after his father was sanctioned by the Biden administration for undermining Georgia's democratic and Euro-Atlantic future. The remaining 65% ownership is unclear, as shareholdings under 5% can be held anonymously.
Under US sanctions, Americans are prohibited from doing business with Bidzina Ivanishvili personally, but there is an exemption for businesses he controls. The Trump Organization's links to the Ivanishvili family raise fresh conflict of interest concerns, similar to other franchise deals, such as a hotel and golf course in Oman on government-owned land and partnerships with a Saudi firm tied to the Saudi government.
Eric Trump stated in April that the company was proud to bring its standard of excellence to Georgia and collaborate with respected developers. The project involves four Georgian firms—Archi Group, Biograpi Living, Blox Group, and Finvest Georgia—alongside the US-based Sapir Organization. None are under sanctions, though Archi Group's founder was a former MP for the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The plot, a former Soviet horse-racing track, is owned by Cartu, with a 2023 agreement to sell it to Central Park Avenue LLC. Only a small portion has been transferred so far, with the remainder due upon payment. Bidzina Ivanishvili's lawyer said Ivanishvili donated most of the land to the state for a public park and is building it at his own expense.
