Georgia’s Republican governor, Brian Kemp, responded sharply to former President Donald Trump’s recent derogatory remarks, where Trump called Kemp a “lightweight.”
Earlier on Saturday, Trump had called for a “purge” of dissenting voices within the Republican Party, specifically targeting GOP officials in Georgia. This state has been a focal point of controversy since Trump allegedly tried to undermine the 2020 presidential election results, where President Joe Biden secured a victory over Trump.
In his call for a purge, Trump singled out Kemp along with several others. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party! His Crime Rate in Georgia is terrible, his Crime Rate in Atlanta is the worst, and his Economy is average, told Los Angeles Times.
He should be seeking UNITY, not Retribution, especially against the man who got him the Nomination through Endorsement and, without whom, he could never have beaten Stacey Abrams. He and his wife didn’t think he could win. I said, ‘I’m telling you you’re going to win.’ Then he won, he was happy, and his wife said, ‘Thank you, Sir, we’ll never be able to make it up to you!’ Now she says she won’t Endorse me and is going to ‘write in Brian Kemp’s name.’
Well, I don’t want her Endorsement, and I don’t want his. They’re the ones who got Fani Willis and her boyfriend all ‘jazzed up’ and ready to go. He could have ended that travesty with a phone call, but he doesn’t want to end it because he’s a bad guy.”
Kemp didn’t hold back in his response. He emphasized his commitment to the upcoming elections and his disinterest in engaging with Trump’s personal attacks. “My focus is on winning this November and saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats – not engaging in petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past,” Kemp wrote. “You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it.”
The exchange highlights the ongoing rift within the Republican Party, as Trump continues to target GOP members who have not shown unwavering loyalty to him. Kemp’s retort underscores his stance on moving forward and focusing on broader political objectives rather than succumbing to intra-party conflicts.