US national security expert James Carafano criticized Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's remarks regarding improving ties with Washington, which contradicted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statements. Rubio asserted that the Georgian government had indeed inquired about steps to enhance relations, receiving a list of required actions from the Trump administration. Kobakhidze, however, denied making such a request, framing Georgia as a sovereign nation rather than a subordinate entity. Carafano, a senior fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, labeled Georgia's approach an "anti-Western strategy" and warned that Tbilisi must enact "real changes" to avoid being "left behind" by the US, emphasizing accountability for their chosen path.