Trump's ‘Politically Foolish’ Attacks Could Spell Trouble for Republicans in Georgia, Expert Warns

Republican unity seems to be crumbling, thanks to Donald Trump’s recent inflammatory remarks.

Before his rally on Saturday at Georgia State University, Trump took to social media to criticize Governor Brian Kemp and his wife Marty, branding them as traitors to the GOP. When Trump hit the stage, his attacks intensified. He claimed Kemp and his allies were rooting for a loss in November and accused Kemp of mismanaging the state, describing Atlanta as a “killing field.”

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Trump’s 90-minute speech reignited internal conflicts within the Georgia GOP. His decision to resume feuding with Kemp and other Republicans he blamed for his 2020 election loss left many Republicans confused and frustrated, especially with the upcoming tight race against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Cole Muzio, a conservative activist and Kemp supporter, criticized Trump’s strategy: “Attacking a successful and popular governor is not only incorrect but politically reckless. The stakes are too high for such pettiness and self-sabotage.”

In response to Trump’s attacks, a significant campaign effort emerged with MAGA supporters and mainstream Republicans rallying to Kemp’s defense. State Representative Steven Sainz expressed frustration over the focus on Kemp instead of the real threat, Kamala Harris. “We need to concentrate on defeating Harris to turn Georgia red,” Sainz said.

Conservative commentator Martha Zoller labeled Trump’s actions as a significant misstep, noting that enthusiastic Democrats are rallying around Harris and that Republicans need Kemp’s influential network more than ever. “Trump’s belief that MAGA Republicans are the majority is misguided,” Zoller commented. “He’s driving people away rather than uniting them.”

Kemp, already familiar with Trump’s critiques, took particular offense when Trump dragged his wife into the dispute. Kemp responded sharply, stating, “Leave my family out of it.”

The complex relationship between Trump and Kemp is a notable chapter in Georgia politics. Trump, who blamed Kemp for his 2020 defeat, had previously tried to unseat him by supporting former Senator David Perdue. Perdue’s campaign was a disaster, losing by 52 points.

Although Trump and Kemp eventually reached a tenuous truce, the timing of Trump’s latest attacks is perplexing. Trump had previously avoided criticizing Kemp and even refrained from public remarks after Kemp revealed he cast a blank ballot in the presidential primary. Kemp has since worked to mend fences, reaffirming his support for Trump and traveling to Milwaukee to support the GOP ticket.

Trump’s recent criticism seems to stem from reports that Kemp planned to skip his rally and that Marty Kemp voted for someone else in the primary. “A better governor would be beneficial,” Trump told rallygoers. “I don’t need their endorsements; I just need them to do their jobs for Georgia.”

Bill White, a Trump ally and organizer of the Buckhead cityhood initiative, suggested that Kemp’s absence from the rally upset Trump. “Georgia’s Republican governor needs to be actively involved in supporting Trump and mobilizing voters,” White said.

Despite the tension, some Trump supporters like former Rep. Doug Collins believe that both Trump and Kemp are committed to winning in November. However, the backlash from Trump’s attacks is undeniable. Former Republican legislator Allen Peake lamented, “Trump’s antics might dissuade many Republicans from voting, potentially costing him Georgia.”

The ongoing discord raises questions about Kemp’s influence, especially given his established political network and his substantial investment in get-out-the-vote efforts. Trump’s campaign might need this support, but with current tensions, a pivot seems unlikely.

Georgia Democrats are capitalizing on the Republican infighting, relishing the GOP’s internal struggles. Democratic state Rep. Derrick Jackson expressed satisfaction, stating, “I’m thrilled to see the GOP unravel. We’ll continue to expand our base in Georgia, including those Never Trump Republicans dedicated to preserving democracy.”