Trump to Visit Georgia Amid GOP Tensions

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President Donald Trump will make his first visit to Georgia since reclaiming the White House, headlining an event in the deep-red northwest corner of the state that the White House bills as a showcase for his economic agenda. However, Trump's visit comes at a combustible moment for Georgia Republicans, as he encourages a state takeover of Fulton County's elections and GOP contenders wage bruising fights that have become litmus tests over loyalty to the president and the direction of his second-term agenda.

Why it matters

Trump's visit to Georgia will test his continued influence over the state's Republican party, which has seen internal divisions emerge over issues like the 2020 election and the direction of the party. The event is seen as an opportunity for Trump to rally his base, but it also risks inflaming tensions within the GOP ahead of high-stakes primary races.

The details

The president's stop in Rome, Georgia is billed as an economic pitch, but it comes amid ongoing turmoil over the state's elections and several contentious Republican primary races. Trump has encouraged a state takeover of Fulton County's elections, citing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, while GOP candidates are engaged in bruising fights that have become tests of loyalty to the former president and his agenda.

• President Trump will visit Georgia on Thursday, February 18, 2026.

What’s next

The president's visit is expected to be closely watched by both his supporters and critics, as it could further inflame tensions within the Georgia Republican party ahead of the high-stakes primary races.