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Jimmy Williams
Former President Donald Trump publicly defended far-right activist Laura Loomer on Friday after a wave of criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, raising concerns about her recent association with his 2024 presidential campaign. The former president, speaking at a press conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, sought to downplay Loomer’s influence, despite her presence at recent campaign events and her promotion of inflammatory conspiracy theories.
“Laura has been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters,” Trump told reporters when asked about his relationship with Loomer. “I don’t control Laura. She’s a free spirit.”
Loomer, a self-proclaimed far-right activist, has faced condemnation for her promotion of conspiracy theories and racist rhetoric. Most recently, she falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were “eating the pets” of local residents. This baseless theory, which Trump echoed during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier in the week, has been debunked by Springfield city officials and law enforcement.
“I don’t know that much about it,” Trump said when asked about Loomer’s conspiracy theories. “I know she’s a big fan of the campaign, but I really don’t know.”
Loomer’s recent posts on social media have also sparked outrage, including a statement suggesting that if Harris were elected president, “the White House will smell like curry” and “speeches will be facilitated via a call center.” This comment, targeting Harris’ Indian heritage, drew swift condemnation from the White House and from lawmakers. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a Trump ally, called the comment “appalling and extremely racist.”
The controversy has raised concerns even among some of Trump’s closest allies. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) labeled Loomer “a stain on society,” while Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Greene have distanced themselves from her rhetoric. Despite the growing backlash, Trump defended Loomer’s right to express her views. “She brings a spirit to us that a lot of people have,” Trump said, adding, “she hates seeing what’s happened to the country.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded forcefully to the controversy, condemning Loomer’s association with Trump. “No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison,” Jean-Pierre said during Thursday’s briefing.
Although Trump tried to distance himself from Loomer’s most controversial statements in a post on Truth Social, he stopped short of fully disavowing her. “She’s a private citizen and longtime supporter. I disagree with the statements she made, but like many who support me, she’s tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack me,” Trump wrote.
Loomer, who has a long history of promoting false and conspiratorial claims, has remained unrepentant, continuing to post inflammatory content on social media. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Trump to further clarify his relationship with the controversial activist, as both supporters and critics demand accountability.
