Gov. Brian Kemp has a message for former President Donald Trump after he spread another lie that he lost a “rigged” vote three years ago: “The 2020 election in Georgia was not stolen.”
The governor posted the rebuke on social media Tuesday in response to Trump’s announcement that he’ll hold a press conference to promote conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and demand “complete exoneration” of the Fulton County charges he faces.
“For nearly three years now, anyone with evidence of fraud has failed to come forward — under oath — and prove anything in a court of law,” Kemp said.
“Our elections in Georgia are secure, accessible, and fair and will continue to be as long as I am governor,” Kemp added. “The future of our country is at stake in 2024 and that must be our focus.”
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis unveiled sweeping charges Monday against Trump and 18 co-defendants after a yearslong investigation into the then-president’s efforts to overthrow the 2020 election.
Trump has called the prosecution in Atlanta a product of a corrupt justice system, echoing attacks he’s leveled against authorities in Miami, New York and Washington who have also charged him with serious violations.
Kemp’s broadside was among several recent jabs at the former president, who blamed the governor for his 2020 defeat, pressed him to illegally overturn the results and then backed a failed 2022 primary challenge against him.
The second-term Republican has pressed fellow conservatives to move beyond Trump’s obsession with the 2020 election, criticized his praise for North Korea’s dictator and panned his refusal to sign a “loyalty pledge” to back the eventual GOP nominee.
Still, Kemp has also committed to supporting Trump if he wins the party’s nomination. And the governor has declined to comment on the indictments, citing his likely role as a star witness in a trial involving the former president.
Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC
Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC
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