Trump aims for reconciliation with Kemp following prolonged discord
Republicans in Georgia are expressing concern over the potential repercussions of the former president's criticisms directed at the governor.
TroibNews 
On Thursday night, Donald Trump made a significant shift in his attitude towards Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican he had previously labeled a “bad guy” and an “average governor” just weeks prior.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude towards Kemp for his “help and support in Georgia where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country.” He added, “I look forward to working with you, your team, and all of my friends in Georgia to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This post followed closely after Kemp's appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News show, where he reaffirmed his commitment to electing Republicans across the board, including Trump. Kemp emphasized the importance of winning, stating, “We cannot afford another four years of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and I think Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are going to be even worse.” He insisted, “We need to send Donald Trump back to the White House, we need to retake the Senate, we need to hold the House, we need to hold our legislative majorities that we have in the great state of Georgia.”
Concerns have been mounting in Georgia regarding the potential ramifications of Trump's previous criticisms of Kemp and his wife on Trump's chances in the state. Polling has suggested a tightening race between Trump and Harris in Georgia. While the Trump campaign asserts it is well-positioned, some Georgia Republicans are worried about voter turnout and the effectiveness of the GOP ground game.
Kemp, noted for his active ground efforts, reported that Republicans have been engaging with voters to “turn out the base for the whole ticket.” During his discussion with Hannity, he was also asked about his efforts to enhance “integrity to the election process.” Kemp expressed his expectation for the 2024 election to be “secure, accessible, and fair,” referencing the Election Integrity Act passed in 2021 that revamped state election laws. Tensions between Kemp and Trump have primarily stemmed from Kemp's refusal to support Trump's unfounded claims about the 2020 election being rigged.
A source familiar with the situation, who spoke anonymously, suggested that Trump was pleased with Kemp’s appearance on Hannity's show, prompting his recent supportive remarks. Later that evening, during an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, Trump responded to a question regarding his efforts to mend ties with Kemp, saying, “Well I just saw Brian … a very good man — did you ever hear of a man named Sean Hannity? And he was interviewed by Sean Hannity and he was very nice.”
Earlier in the day, Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, reported that he had talked with Kemp and believed the governor “wants us to win, because he believes the policies of Kamala Harris are disastrous for this country." He stated, “I read the headlines. Brian Kemp and Donald Trump have had some disagreements. I am 100 percent, guarantee you, that Brian Kemp is behind this ticket.”
Kemp’s spokesperson indicated that Kemp’s comments during the Fox News appearance reflected his “long held position of supporting the nominee and working hard to win Georgia.” Although he did not endorse Trump during a competitive Republican primary this year, Kemp had previously affirmed that he would be “supporting the ticket” this fall, irrespective of the GOP nominee.
In recent polling, Trump has seen a decline in support in Georgia since Vice President Harris became the Democratic nominee, with the race tightening significantly. In response, the Trump campaign is investing over $20 million in state advertising, and the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. has included Georgia in a broad $100 million ad campaign in key battleground states.
This newfound cordiality between Trump and Kemp seemed anticipated by veteran Republican operatives in Georgia, who believed the two would eventually unite in light of their mutual goals. Just two weeks ago, Trump took credit for Kemp’s electoral success, noting he would “love to see [his relationship with Kemp] get repaired.”
Earlier this month, Kemp reassured attendees at a political summit that his support for Trump would remain unchanged, emphasizing, “Despite all of that noise, my position has not changed.” He reiterated that he would use his political resources to guarantee a victory in Georgia for whichever candidate emerges as the nominee.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude towards Kemp for his “help and support in Georgia where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country.” He added, “I look forward to working with you, your team, and all of my friends in Georgia to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This post followed closely after Kemp's appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News show, where he reaffirmed his commitment to electing Republicans across the board, including Trump. Kemp emphasized the importance of winning, stating, “We cannot afford another four years of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and I think Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are going to be even worse.” He insisted, “We need to send Donald Trump back to the White House, we need to retake the Senate, we need to hold the House, we need to hold our legislative majorities that we have in the great state of Georgia.”
Concerns have been mounting in Georgia regarding the potential ramifications of Trump's previous criticisms of Kemp and his wife on Trump's chances in the state. Polling has suggested a tightening race between Trump and Harris in Georgia. While the Trump campaign asserts it is well-positioned, some Georgia Republicans are worried about voter turnout and the effectiveness of the GOP ground game.
Kemp, noted for his active ground efforts, reported that Republicans have been engaging with voters to “turn out the base for the whole ticket.” During his discussion with Hannity, he was also asked about his efforts to enhance “integrity to the election process.” Kemp expressed his expectation for the 2024 election to be “secure, accessible, and fair,” referencing the Election Integrity Act passed in 2021 that revamped state election laws. Tensions between Kemp and Trump have primarily stemmed from Kemp's refusal to support Trump's unfounded claims about the 2020 election being rigged.
A source familiar with the situation, who spoke anonymously, suggested that Trump was pleased with Kemp’s appearance on Hannity's show, prompting his recent supportive remarks. Later that evening, during an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, Trump responded to a question regarding his efforts to mend ties with Kemp, saying, “Well I just saw Brian … a very good man — did you ever hear of a man named Sean Hannity? And he was interviewed by Sean Hannity and he was very nice.”
Earlier in the day, Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, reported that he had talked with Kemp and believed the governor “wants us to win, because he believes the policies of Kamala Harris are disastrous for this country." He stated, “I read the headlines. Brian Kemp and Donald Trump have had some disagreements. I am 100 percent, guarantee you, that Brian Kemp is behind this ticket.”
Kemp’s spokesperson indicated that Kemp’s comments during the Fox News appearance reflected his “long held position of supporting the nominee and working hard to win Georgia.” Although he did not endorse Trump during a competitive Republican primary this year, Kemp had previously affirmed that he would be “supporting the ticket” this fall, irrespective of the GOP nominee.
In recent polling, Trump has seen a decline in support in Georgia since Vice President Harris became the Democratic nominee, with the race tightening significantly. In response, the Trump campaign is investing over $20 million in state advertising, and the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. has included Georgia in a broad $100 million ad campaign in key battleground states.
This newfound cordiality between Trump and Kemp seemed anticipated by veteran Republican operatives in Georgia, who believed the two would eventually unite in light of their mutual goals. Just two weeks ago, Trump took credit for Kemp’s electoral success, noting he would “love to see [his relationship with Kemp] get repaired.”
Earlier this month, Kemp reassured attendees at a political summit that his support for Trump would remain unchanged, emphasizing, “Despite all of that noise, my position has not changed.” He reiterated that he would use his political resources to guarantee a victory in Georgia for whichever candidate emerges as the nominee.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
