Officials with the Republican National Committee toured a convention center in Savannah, Georgia, which is being looked at as a possible location for President Trump to deliver his acceptance speech for the 2020 Republican nomination.
Some convention business will still be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the RNC wants a large crowd for the president’s speech, something the governor said he cannot guarantee because of restrictions meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
In response, the president tweeted, “Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-In-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised.” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp replied, “Hope you have Georgia on your mind, @realDonaldTrump!”
The mayor of Savannah expressed misgivings about the idea. “I am strongly concerned about the impact that a convention of this magnitude would have on the health, safety, and welfare of our city, her citizens, and our budget,” Mayor Van Johnson said. “That being said, I am not privy to, or familiar with, any proposal or plans relating to the 2020 Republican National Convention, but I am open and willing to hear what they have to say.”
A spokesperson for the city of Savannah said the mayor greeted the governor on Monday. Rep. Buddy Carter also tweeted photos of the visit.
Honored to welcome @GOPconvention CEO @Marcialeekelly to @SAVConvCenter this morning with @BrianKempGA, Ron Stephens, & @VisitSavannah! The Hostess City of the South would be honored to host #RNC2020! #gapol pic.twitter.com/mT8ujBCT1M
— Buddy Carter (@Buddy_Carter) June 8, 2020
Savannah is not the only prospective location for the president’s speech. Representatives from the RNC are expected to tour facilities in Phoenix and Dallas later this week. The convention is set to take place from Aug. 24 to Aug. 27.
