The relationships between former President Donald Trump and several Georgia officials, including Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger have soured. Trump made disparaging remarks about each of the top GA politicians on Saturday (Sept. 25) at a rally held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia, The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
One of the most bizarre moments occurred when Trump suggested former GA gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams should replace current Governor Brian Kemp. “Of course, having her, I think, might be better than having your existing governor, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said. “Might very well be better.”
He also used his time at the podium to discuss how he believes his influence helped Kemp win the gubernatorial race in the State of Georgia. Yet, when Trump was “looking for votes” to back up his election claims, Kemp, Duncan, and Raffensperger dismissed his allegations that the election had been stolen and stated that the count was accurate and the results were legitimate. Raffensperger announced after three recounts of ballots in the state that the original machine count accurately portrayed the winner of the election. And a GA judge also dismissed a lawsuit alleging statewide fraud in the presidential election.
“I made the mistake,” Trump said. “I endorsed Brian Kemp. The primary was immediately following the endorsement. And he won. He ends up going from last place to winning in a landslide. Then, I had to get him past good ol’ Stacey… Stacey Abrams, who still has not conceded. Stacey, would you like to take his place?” It’s okay with me.”
The former president, who is still very active in the Republican Party, wasn’t there to exalt Abrams, instead he was campaigning for his picks — Herschel Walker, U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, and Senator Burt Jones — to unseat the aforementioned GA elected officials. Abrams has not responded to Trump’s remarks publically, but Trump’s stance is contrary to the many members within his party who in February formed a group called “Stop Stacey” — aimed at stopping Abrams from potentially running for governor in 2022.