Full Breakdown
Trump Tower Tbilisi: Launch of Georgia’s First Trump-Branded Skyscraper
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Unveiling of Trump Tower Tbilisi
On September 15, 2026, developers presented the Trump Tower Tbilisi project at Tbilisi’s Funicular complex. The ceremony gathered Georgian officials, investors and cultural performers. The 62-storey, 280-meter residential tower will become Georgia’s tallest building and anchors the $2 billion “Downtown Tbilisi” master plan, a six-tower, 600,000 m² mixed-use district beside Central Park.
Background & Context
The Trump Organization licenses its brand for fees and a revenue share, without taking equity. A similar arrangement was used for the Trump Soho hotel-condo two decades ago. Georgia’s economy has posted roughly 9 % annual growth, prompting the search for high-profile foreign investment.
Key Figures & Groups
- Eric Trump — Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization.
- Alex Sapir — Chairman and CEO, The Sapir Organization.
- Ilia Tsulaia — Co-Founder and Chairman, Archi Group.
- Levan Pkhakadze — Founder and CEO, INVIA.
- Bidzina Ivanishvili — Former prime minister; his family-controlled Cartu Foundation sold the tower site.
- Irakli Kobakhidze — Prime Minister of Georgia.
Data & Statistics
- Height: 280 m (? 62 storeys).
- Residential units: 850; studios start at $290,000.
- Price range: $7,000–$10,760 per m².
- Total investment: ? $2 billion for the master plan.
- Financing: TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia (London-listed).
- Expected completion: Tower by 2031, full district by 2033.
Official Statements & Responses
Eric Trump said the Trump Organization is handling only design, marketing and management. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the development a “historic day” that will create “thousands of jobs.” Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili described it as a “new calling card” for investment and international recognition.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue the licensing model can serve as a conduit for foreign interests to gain access to the Trump brand. Concern is heightened by the land’s link to Bidzina Ivanishvili, sanctioned by the United States in December 2024 for undermining Georgian democracy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Payment to the land seller: The Wall Street Journal reported an $85 million payment to the Cartu Foundation, completed by July 2026. The Daily Beast confirmed the same amount, noting the funds went to a group linked to the sanctioned oligarch’s family.
- Sanctions status: Ivanishvili is under U.S. sanctions, but family members running the foundation are not, leaving the transaction’s legality ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s going to be the most architecturally significant building built in Europe in some time,” — Eric Trump.
- “One in every four of our buyers today is international, and that share continues to grow,” — Ilia Tsulaia.
What’s Next
The consortium aims to finish Trump Tower Tbilisi by 2031 and the entire Downtown Tbilisi complex by 2033. Ongoing financing from TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia will support the phased development, while Georgian authorities have pledged continued support for large-scale foreign-backed projects.