Trump and Brian Kemp share awkward handshake at Helene briefing as Internet mocks their body language

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A photograph of former President Donald Trump shaking hands with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has gained significant attention online.

The two Republican leaders met in Evans, Georgia, on Friday to discuss disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Helene.

Tensions remain high as Trump and Kemp share awkward handshake

This marked their first public appearance together since Trump launched a campaign against Kemp following the certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory in Georgia.

Trump, who continues to assert that the election was "stolen," has previously labeled Kemp as "disloyal" during a rally in August.

However, with recent polls indicating a tight race in Georgia for the 2024 election, Trump has shifted his stance, recently thanking Kemp for his "help and support" in a post on Truth Social, just weeks after criticizing him.

Despite this apparent thaw in relations, some observers noted lingering tension. CNN's Kaitlan Collins shared the handshake photo on X (formerly Twitter), where it garnered over 240,000 views. The image captures the leaders in what appears to be an awkward handshake, both sporting neutral expressions.

Social media reacts: Mixed reactions to Trump and Kemp's handshake

The online response to the handshake photo between Trump and Kemp was swift and varied, reflecting the complex dynamics of their relationship.

Social media users were quick to comment, with one user jokingly captioning the photo, "Kemp: How far away can I be from him and still be at the same table?"

Another user added, "Kemp blink twice if you want help."

While a third remarked, "They despise each other. This is merely a photo op!"

One user added, "What’s the going price for your self respect Brian Kemp?"

One replied, "Kemp's body language says it all. He wants to distance himself from Trump but knows he needs him for political survival. Pathetic."

Another added, "He's probably sickened from trump's "fragrance""

Trump campaign reacts to online criticism

In response to the online commentary, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung defended the meeting, stating, "Leave it to some morons on social media to politicize a very serious and unified moment between the President and Governor working to help the people that Kamala Harris has abandoned in the wake of Hurricane Helene."

During their meeting, Trump claimed that his relationship with Kemp was "great," insisting that the pair have "always worked together very well." Kemp echoed this sentiment, praising Trump for focusing "attention on those who are hurting in Georgia."

However, earlier this week, the two were at odds regarding the federal response to Hurricane Helene. Trump had criticized the Biden administration's handling of disaster relief, claiming that Kemp was "having a hard time getting the president on the phone."

In contrast, Kemp stated that he had spoken with Biden just days earlier, who had pledged assistance and told him he could "call him directly" for further help.

Additionally, Trump and other Republican figures have made unsubstantiated claims about the Biden administration's disaster response, including a false allegation that FEMA was redirecting relief funds to illegal migrants.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal Trump supporter, even absurdly suggested that Democrats "can control the weather."

As the political landscape evolves in Georgia, this handshake photo may serve as a symbol of the complicated relationship between Trump and Kemp, illustrating the tensions that continue to simmer beneath the surface.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online