Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is set to headline a fundraiser for former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign in Atlanta on Thursday. Kemp will join his wife, First Lady Marty Kemp, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the event. This development marks a significant moment in the relationship between Kemp and Trump, which has been fraught with tension since the 2020 presidential election.
Kemp’s involvement in the fundraiser, first reported by ABC News, comes as a surprise to many, given the public feud between the two Republican leaders. Kemp had previously refused to support Trump’s efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results, a stance that led to a series of sharp criticisms from Trump. At a rally in Georgia earlier this year, Trump openly lambasted Kemp, calling him “disloyal” and criticizing his governance. Trump even took aim at Kemp’s wife, Marty, for allegedly stating that she would write in Kemp’s name instead of voting for Trump in the election.
Despite this history, Kemp’s participation in the fundraiser is seen as a signal of his willingness to put past disagreements aside for the sake of party unity. Sources familiar with the event revealed that Kemp was invited to co-headline the fundraiser after his supporters, who were planning to attend, urged him to participate. The fundraiser was initially scheduled to be headlined solely by Pompeo, but the addition of Kemp and his wife has added a new layer of significance to the event.
Trump’s recent praise of Kemp further underscores the evolving dynamics between the two. Last week, Trump publicly thanked Kemp on social media after watching an interview with the governor on FOX News. “Thank you to #BrianKempGA for all of your help and support in Georgia, where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country,” Trump wrote. This marked a notable departure from the harsh rhetoric Trump had previously directed at Kemp, suggesting a potential thaw in their relationship.
Kemp’s participation in the fundraiser also highlights his broader strategy of supporting the entire Republican ticket, despite his earlier reluctance to endorse Trump. Kemp has consistently voiced his commitment to ensuring Republican victories in Georgia and across the nation. At a recent Republican Governors Association meeting in Aspen, multiple governors reportedly noted Kemp’s “very supportive tone” regarding Trump and the importance of securing key states for the Republican Party.
The fundraiser, which will take the form of a cocktail party, is being hosted by several prominent Trump supporters, including former State Department official Ulrich Brechbuhl, former Ambassadors Duke Buchan and Ed McMullen, and former Senator Kelly Loeffler. These individuals have been actively raising money for Trump’s campaign during this election cycle, reflecting the ongoing efforts to bolster support for Trump among key Republican figures.
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The event is expected to draw significant attention, not only because of the high-profile attendees but also due to the implications it holds for the future of Republican politics in Georgia. Kemp’s decision to headline the fundraiser, despite his previous conflicts with Trump, suggests a strategic move to unify the party ahead of the 2024 election. It remains to be seen how this renewed cooperation will impact the broader political landscape, both in Georgia and nationally.
For more detailed coverage on this developing story, visit ABC News.