In a stunning turnaround in the last 12 hours, Donald Trump is trying to distance himself from far-right activist Laura Loomer, who in the last few days has been seen at his side and on his campaign plane. Loomer’s role in Trump’s campaign and in his life have become the subject of scrutiny and speculation, some suggesting that their relationship is more than just professional. Political talk show host Bill Maher quipped on Friday, “She’s 31. Looks like his type”.
However, after both Republicans and Democrats expressed outrage about his relationship with her, Trump has sought to downplay her role. On Friday afternoon, he posted on Truth Social, that, “Laura Loomer doesn’t work for the Campaign. She’s a private citizen and longtime supporter”. He clarified that, “I disagree with the statements she made but, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me, even to the point of doing anything to stop their Political Opponent, ME!”
Laura Loomer is known for her far-right political activism, internet presence, and as a conspiracy theorist. Loomer has been a controversial figure in the political landscape, often making headlines for her statements and actions.
Sources report that, “She’s so extreme that even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. — by some measures, Congress’ most unhinged member — has described Loomer as ‘mentally unstable’ and poisonous.’”
Loomer’s journey into the public eye began with her work as an activist for several organizations, including Project Veritas and InfoWars, known for their right-wing perspectives and controversial reporting tactics. Her approach to activism and commentary has been marked by her no-holds-barred tone and her use of social media as a platform to share her unfiltered views.
As an aspiring politician, she ran for Congress in 2020, as the Republican nominee for Florida’s 21st congressional district, but was unsuccessful in her bid. She also ran in the Republican primary for Florida’s 11th congressional district in 2022, again without success.
One of the most notable aspects of Loomer’s career has been her frequent bans from social media platforms, for reasons that include violating policies on hate speech and posting misinformation. The repercussions of her online activity have extended beyond social media, with consequences affecting her access to payment processors, vehicles for hire, and food delivery mobile apps.
According to MSNBC, “Loomer has a long history of making racist, offensive statements: She has called herself a “proud Islamophobe,” cheered the death of thousands of migrants, said 9/11 was an “inside job,” spread conspiracy theories about mass shootings and, more recently, posted a racist attack against Vice President Kamala Harris.” When Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died of cancer in July, Loomer described the Texas Democrat as a “ghetto b—-.”
In the last few days Loomer has been seen in high profile events at Trump’s side; her attendance at the 9/11 commemoration was of particular note given her conspiracy theory about its origin. As a result, even Trump stalwarts such as Lindsey Graham and Marjorie Taylor Greene have urged the former president to distance himself from a “toxic liability.”
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis wrote on social media, “Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans. A DNC plant couldn’t do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump’s chances of winning re-election. Enough.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries strongly criticized his decision to bring her to the 9/11 remembrance which apparently was the last straw for many critics from both parties. Jeffreys called it “shocking, irresponsible, and offensive.” The New York Democrat said the former president’s actions “should shock the conscience of all decent Americans.”
The recent cooling off of his relationship with Loomer may be at the urging of his Republican colleagues, who, according to The Washington Post, are concerned about the negative effect it may be having on his campaign.
