Georgian Parliament official accuses certain domestic opposition-leaning media outlets of joining anti-Trump efforts

Davit Matikashvili, Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Sunday claimed that certain television channels and what he described as “agents’ mouthpieces” were following the same path as opposition politician Nika Gvaramia, referring to Gvaramia’s past remarks about Donald Trump during his first term as President of the United States.

In an interview with Imedi TV, Matikashvili said that “informal influences” were attempting to use their agents to oppose the US President “everywhere, in every country, including Georgia”.

“It should also be noted that certain EU officials have made statements directed against the United States. Taken together, all of this reveals and underscores the ‘deep state’s’ desire to damage Donald Trump’s reputation”, he said.

Matikashvili further argued that, with the US midterm elections approaching, efforts were being made to hinder Trump and his political movement “by every possible means”.

His comments followed a programme aired on Formula TV, during which host Nino Zhizhilashvili and guest Giga Jokhadze, a researcher at the Chavchavadze Center, criticised the current US administration and President Trump.

Imedi TV also reported that it had sent another letter to the US Embassy, requesting comment on what it described as an anti-American campaign conducted by opposition-leaning Formula TV.