Anyone who is in the Republican Party should stand firmly in support of Donald Trump.
At a recent rally in Atlanta, former President Donald Trump took aim at Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both Republicans, for their refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump’s continued criticism of these state officials reveals his ongoing contention that the election was unjustly decided in favor of Joe Biden.
Governor Kemp has responded by urging Trump to shift his focus from personal grievances and partisan infighting to the upcoming November elections. Kemp emphasized that Trump’s energy would be better spent working towards electoral victories rather than “engaging in petty personal attacks, confronting fellow Republicans, or fixating on past events.”
Before the rally, Trump had already criticized Kemp, a prominent Republican figure in a crucial swing state. Trump suggested that Kemp should redirect his efforts towards addressing crime rather than creating divisions within the Republican Party. Trump’s comments extended to Kemp’s wife, Marty, who had indicated she would vote for a write-in candidate rather than endorse Trump.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed frustration with Raffensperger, asserting that it was Raffensperger’s duty to ensure the election was not compromised. He also accused Kemp of mismanagement, citing high crime rates and an average-performing economy in Georgia.
Kemp’s administration has been credited with a strong economic performance in Georgia, evidenced by a 63% approval rating in a recent poll. His successful gubernatorial campaigns in 2018 and 2022, with significant support from Trump, demonstrate his solid standing within the Republican base. In 2018, Kemp narrowly defeated Democrat Stacey Abrams, and in 2022, he won decisively against Trump-endorsed David Perdue, subsequently defeating Abrams again in a rematch.
Trump’s comments also touched on accusations against Kemp, claiming that the governor could have intervened in the ongoing election interference case led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who has faced scrutiny over her professional relationships.
In response to Trump’s latest remarks, Kemp took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend his record and refocus the conversation on the upcoming elections. He advised Trump to concentrate on defeating Kamala Harris and the Democrats rather than engaging in attacks on fellow Republicans.
Raffensperger also addressed Trump’s claims, affirming the security of Georgia’s elections and asserting that attempts to undermine the integrity of the voting process do not resonate with the state’s electorate.
Notably, Kemp signed the Election Integrity Act in 2021, which includes measures like voter ID requirements and extended early voting periods, aiming to enhance the integrity of Georgia’s elections.
During his rally, Trump voiced ongoing grievances about the 2020 election results, despite the courts having largely dismissed claims of widespread fraud. He criticized Kemp as “disloyal” and a “bad governor,” reflecting his frustration over the certification of Biden’s victory and the handling of the subsequent legal challenges.
As Trump and Harris gear up for a contentious election battle in Georgia—a state that had reliably voted Republican until Biden’s win in 2020—the political landscape remains charged. Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, who served alongside Kemp, characterized Trump’s campaign rhetoric as self-serving and disconnected from the broader concerns of American voters.