Trump lets criticism of fellow Republicans fly at fiery Atlanta rally

Hosting yet another packed rally just weeks after an attempt on his life at a similar event, former President Donald Trump gave a fiery speech to assembled supporters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday.

As Fox News noted, Trump pulled no punches when expressing his thoughts on the November election, telling fans about his plans to “evict this radical, incompetent administration” currently occupying the White House.

Trump lets loose

Though surrounded by thousands of characteristically enthusiastic supporters, Trump did not hold back when it came to venting about Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and their conduct during the 2020 election controversies.

While taking aim at fellow Republicans during a presidential election campaign is an admittedly unorthodox approach, Trump let his feelings fly at the packed arena.

Even before he took the stage, Trump took to social media to lambaste the two state officials for what the former president deemed insufficient support during the contested aftermath of the 2020 vote and to urge vigilance come November.

“Brad Raffensperger has to do his job, and make sure this Election is not stolen. Brian Kemp should focus his efforts on fighting Crime, not fighting Unity and the Republican Party! His Crime Rate in Georgia is terrible, his Crime Rate in Atlanta is the worst, and his Economy is average,” Trump declared.

Trump even went so far as to bring Kemp's spouse into the equation, writing about the governor's prior campaign, writing, “he and his wife didn't think he could win. I said, 'I'm telling you you're going to win.' Then he won, he was happy, and his wife said, 'Thank you Sir, we'll never be ablet o make it up to you! Now she says she won't Endorse me, and is going to 'write in Brian Kemp's name.'”

Reactions pour in

As Axios reported, the targets of the former president's ire did not take the jabs quietly, with Kemp writing on social media that he is concentrating on “saving our country from Kamala Harris and the Democrats” and is choosing not to engage in “petty personal insults, attacking fellow Republicans, or dwelling on the past.”

Kemp added sharply, “You should do the same, Mr. President, and leave my family out of it.”

Raffensperger added his two cents as well, stating, “History has taught us this type of message doesn't sell well here.”

Conservative pundit Erick Erickson opined that Trump's focus on the past and his willingness to attack fellow Republicans is a risky gambit that could cost him the White House.

“And if he loses,” Erickson mused, “it'll be because of this stuff, not a stolen election,” but whether Trump will heed that warning and begin to temper his critiques and soften his tone as the campaign progresses, only time will tell.