Watch: Trump praises Kemp at RGA meeting, jokes about ‘Governor Trudeau’
Trump praises Kemp as head of GOP governor's group
The Republican Governors Association gathered Thursday night in Washington with Gov. Brian Kemp at the helm. The governor was recently named as the next head of the association after previously serving as the group's vice chair.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald Trump praised Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp at a Republican Governors Association (RGA) meeting Thursday.
It comes a day after appointing him to the Council of Governors.
The backstory:
The relationship between President Donald Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has been a complex one, marked by both collaboration and conflict. The two Republicans previously clashed over the Peach State’s response to the coronavirus and Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. However, recent events suggest a shift towards reconciliation.
Kemp, who now chairs the RGA after serving as vice chair, addressed the gathering before Trump took the stage. The RGA chairmanship is typically a one-year term. The meeting, held in Washington, brought together Republican leaders to discuss their policy agenda for the coming years. Trump, celebrating his first month in office, expressed gratitude to Kemp and other Republican governors for their support. He also discussed various topics, including tariffs, border security, and recent executive actions.
What they're saying:
At a Republican Governors Association (RGA) meeting, Trump praised Kemp, highlighting their past successes in Georgia. "I especially want to thank the chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Gov. Brian Kemp, who is fantastic. He was fantastic. We won Georgia by a lot," Trump said, acknowledging Kemp's presence in the crowd. "We did a great job together and I appreciate it. We won't forget it."
Also during his remarks, Trump emphasized the alignment of goals between his administration and the Republican governors. He assured them of his commitment to working together. Trump's comments extended beyond domestic issues, touching on international affairs with references to the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada. Notably, he humorously referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor Trudeau."
Why you should care:
The RGA meeting marked a significant moment of unity among Republican leaders as they strategized for the future. With Kemp at the helm of the RGA and Trump continuing to navigate his presidency, his relationship with key Republican figures like Kemp will be crucial in shaping the party's direction and influence.
SEE ALSO:
- Trump taps Kemp for Council of Governors
- Miriam Adelson's $1 million donation to Gov. Kemp's PAC could help Trump in Georgia
- Trump, Kemp to survey Hurricane Helene's damage together on Friday
- Gov. Brian Kemp attends fundraiser for Trump on Thursday
- Kemp's 2024 message: 'There's no path for former President Trump ... to get to 270 without Georgia'
The Source: The details in this article come from the proceedings at the Republican Governors Association on Thursday. President Donald Trump's full speech is embedded in the article above thanks to C-SPAN. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.