Kemp Invites Trump To Host Republican National Convention in Georgia

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Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday, May 26, invited President Donald Trump to host the Republican National Convention in Georgia.

Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday invited President Donald Trump to host this summer’s Republican National Convention in Georgia.

The invitation comes after Trump threatened to move the event out of North Carolina if the state’s Democratic governor does not allow a full-capacity gathering in August despite the current COVID-19 pandemic.

With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention. We hope you will consider the Peach State, @realdonaldtrump!— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) May 26, 2020

Right now, the convention is scheduled to be held in Charlotte from Aug. 24 to 27.

On Monday, Trump tweeted that the GOP “will be reluctantly forced to find another site if North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper did not provide immediate answers about allowing full attendance."

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Cooper released a statement the same day in response to Trump’s threat.

“State health officials are working with the RNC and will review its plan as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte," Cooper said. "North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state’s public health and safety."

Cooper has recently moved North Carolina into the second phase of the state’s reopening plan by loosening restrictions on hair salons, barbershops and restaurants. But Cooper made it clear that the state must be cautious with their reopening and is keeping indoor entertainment venues, gyms and bars closed during this phase.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said it's too soon to host such an event.

"Like North Carolina, the city of Atlanta is following a phased, data-driven approach to reopening," Bottoms said in an emailed statement. "That plan does not contemplate hosting a large gathering event in August. In fact, several long-standing city-supported and sponsored events have already been canceled in order to comply with CDC guidelines."

Trump, who initially criticized Kemp when the governor announced his plans to reopen Georgia last month, has praised him and state’s reopening in the past few weeks.

Vice President Mike Pence visited Georgia on Friday and took part in a roundtable with restaurant executives where he also echoed that same praise.

Georgia right now has over 43,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. There is no guarantee the state will be able to safely hold an event at full capacity at any entertainment venue by late August.