Former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp will share a stage on Friday for the first time in four years as they assess recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a week after the storm ravaged the southeastern United States.
The two prominent Republicans are expected to receive a briefing on the storm’s impact and discuss the state’s recovery in Evans, Georgia. While the event is not labeled as a campaign stop, it highlights a critical moment for both men as they navigate the political and humanitarian response to one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent years.
Trump’s visit to Georgia comes as the second in just a few days, following his earlier stop in Valdosta. The region was among several southern states—including the Carolinas and Tennessee—severely affected by the hurricane, which has claimed over 220 lives, left hundreds missing, and caused massive power outages across seven states.
Trump Criticizes Biden’s Response
As he contends with a tight race against Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, Trump has frequently criticized President Biden’s handling of the federal storm response. In a social media post on Thursday, Trump called it “the worst and most incompetently managed storm response at the federal level” ever, further escalating his criticism as Biden toured the storm-impacted areas.
Harris, who also visited Georgia earlier this week, canceled planned events in Pennsylvania to focus on the hurricane response. She is scheduled to visit North Carolina this weekend to assess further damage and coordinate recovery efforts.
Political Backdrop: Trump and Kemp’s Complicated Relationship
While the joint appearance with Kemp may raise eyebrows given their strained history, it underscores the necessity of unity in a state that has been a key political battleground. Since narrowly losing Georgia in the 2020 election, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Kemp, particularly over the governor’s refusal to challenge the election results.
In 2022, Trump endorsed former Senator David Perdue to unseat Kemp in the gubernatorial primary. However, Kemp secured an easy victory, and Trump’s public attacks have since subsided. Despite lingering tensions, Trump recently praised Kemp, recognizing the governor’s role in helping mobilize Georgia’s Republican base ahead of the 2024 election.
The alliance between Trump and Kemp may prove crucial in Georgia, one of several swing states that could determine the presidential race’s outcome. Both men will likely need to rally GOP voters to secure a win in the state, a critical component of Trump’s path to the White House.
Kemp, who has emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than past disagreements, noted in a recent interview that Republicans must articulate a clear vision for the country to contrast with the current administration. He expressed his belief that the GOP cannot afford another term of Biden-Harris leadership.
As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Trump, and Kemp’s upcoming appearance will draw attention not only to the storm’s devastating toll but also to the political dynamics shaping the future of the Republican Party.