Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp found themselves side by side on Friday, surveying the wreckage left behind by Hurricane Helene. This marked not just the former president’s second visit to Georgia within the week, but also the first joint appearance between the two men since their relationship soured following the 2020 presidential election.
With over 200 lives lost and devastation felt all across the Southeast, including states like Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the urgency of the situation brought Trump and Kemp together — though their past tensions were still palpable. During the press briefing held after they were briefed on the storm’s damage, Trump offered unexpected praise to Kemp. “It’s great,” he said, reflecting on their relationship, which had become strained after Kemp refused Trump’s push to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia.
Both men stood before the cameras against the backdrop of the disastrous aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where they detailed their collaborative efforts to assist storm survivors. Kemp highlighted the importance of continuing to draw attention to those suffering due to the storm's aftermath. “I appreciate Trump for helping to keep the nation’s attention on those who are hurting in Georgia,” said Kemp.
But the goodwill didn’t entirely erase the past; they both have had their fair share of public spats. Just months earlier, Trump had taken to rallies to criticize Kemp, branding him as disloyal and even calling out his wife during heated exchanges. Yet as the press event unfolded, it seemed both were willing to set aside their differences, at least for the moment, perhaps recognizing the necessity of unity amid disaster recovery.
Throughout his remarks, Trump exaggerated his earlier claims about the state’s need for federal assistance, stating falsely, for example, during previous visits, about Kemp’s inability to communicate with President Biden. Kemp had already confirmed discussions for disaster relief with Biden prior to the press briefing.
This odd kind of détente is not just politically motivated; it reflects the changing dynamics as both eyes focus on the upcoming 2024 election where Georgia is set to play a pivotal role. Trump’s previous attacks on Kemp for not supporting his election fraud claims seemed to have significantly cooled as he recognized Kemp's popularity among Georgia Republicans.
During the event, Trump nailed down his strategies for the coming elections, touting his focus on Georgians and his commitment to addressing local issues, including immigration—a topic he brought up frequently during his remarks. While insisting he was not thinking about voters, he mentioned how he had advised Kemp on storm relief before this latest event. “We have to get the jobs to the people who have lived here for a long time,” he asserted, echoing his standard message about undocumented immigrants taking jobs.
While there’s no doubt recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene will linger on the minds of the citizens, the political gamesmanship surrounding elections is equally tense. Trump made it clear he was invested, saying, “I told the governor, if I’m involved, they’re going to get the best treatment.”
On top of this, Kemp, having previously endorsed Trump, seems committed to rallying support for the former president, illustrating their complex political relationship. Surprisingly, Kemp had transitioned from the former enemy to becoming involved with fundraising for Trump this past August. Such actions signal how Georgia’s Republican leadership may coalesce around Trump, regardless of past grievances.
Yet even this newfound partnership doesn’t come without its hurdles. Trump’s divisiveness, brought to light during his time as president and continuing to this day, leaves many party members uneasy. Kemp’s own lieutenant governor, Geoff Duncan, has openly distanced himself from Trump, opting instead to support Vice President Kamala Harris — showcasing the ideological splits within the Republican party as it heads toward the upcoming election.
The stark reality remains: Trump’s frequent false claims about the election and the economy cast long shadows over his attempts to mend fences. Even as he stood beside Kemp, he perpetuated unfounded assertions about FEMA funds being misused to support undocumented immigrants, completely disregarding FEMA's statements denying such claims. “No money is being diverted from disaster response needs,” FEMA confirmed on its official page dedicated to misinformation.
Without doubt, the delicate drama playing out between Trump and Kemp signals the fading echoes of their past disputes, influenced largely by the immediate realities of serious disaster recovery. The political backdrop creates fertile ground for their collaboration, but one has to wonder how long this public detente will hold as both men continue to navigate their pathways toward the 2024 election.
