Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi defended the donation at a fundraising radiothon held two weeks ago in American Samoa.
Another $US50,000 was raised from other sources during the radiothon.
There's been an angry reaction from the public in American Samoa regarding the donation towards Samoa's Rugby World Cup campaign.
One of the main complaints was that $US100,000 had been promised to the recent American Samoan Pacific Games team, but only $US20,000 was given.
Tuilaepa said public opinion is part of a democratic society and people have a right to complain.
