Former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp put aside their troubled past on Friday as they commended citizens and first responders for their bravery in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Trump, who has declared himself the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, praised Kemp for his work in handling the disaster, stating that he is doing a “fantastic job”. However, Trump also continued to peddle his longstanding falsehood that the Biden administration has failed to mount a routine federal disaster response, despite the fact that multiple government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have been working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the storm.
Trump’s comments were likely intended to score political points and rally support for his candidacy. He mentioned the upcoming election, stating that if he wins, Georgia will be treated well as it recovers from the storm. This sentiment is likely an attempt to win over Georgian voters, many of whom have been skeptical of Trump’s commitment to their state in the past. Trump’s words of praise for Kemp were a significant departure from their troubled past, when Trump and his allies accused Kemp of being complicit in Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory, leading to a rift between the two.
Donald Trump (Via Donald Trump/Twitter)
Despite their differences, Trump and Kemp seem to have put the past behind them, at least for now. As they stood together outside Augusta, they appeared to be in high spirits, shaking hands and embracing each other as they discussed their efforts to aid those affected by the storm. It is unclear how long this newfound alliance will last, but for now, it appears that Trump and Kemp are putting aside their differences in order to win over voters and support their respective political endeavors.
Trump’s desire to win over Georgian voters in the upcoming election has likely played a significant role in the reconciliation between the two. According to reports, Trump’s comeback effort has been hindered by the perceived rift between himself and Kemp, with many Republicans expressing concerns that the division would ultimately benefit Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the state. By putting aside their differences and appearing united in their efforts to aid those affected by the storm, Trump and Kemp may be able to stem the tide of Republican support for Harris and revitalize Trump’s campaign in the state.
The alliance between Trump and Kemp is significant not only because of their troubled past but also because of the political implications it has for the upcoming election. Trump’s renewed commitment to Georgia and his apparent willingness to work with Kemp could help to galvanize Republican support in the state and potentially give him an edge over Harris. On the other hand, if this alliance does not prove to be a durable one, it could ultimately benefit Harris and undermine Trump’s chances in the state.
