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Jimmy Williams
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre strongly condemned former President Donald Trump’s increasing association with right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer on Thursday, labeling it “un-American” and calling for leaders to distance themselves from such individuals. Loomer, a controversial figure known for promoting false conspiracy theories, recently traveled with Trump and attended his events, including a Sept. 11 commemoration.
“No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison,” Jean-Pierre said during the daily press briefing. She expressed particular outrage at Loomer’s history of promoting racist and divisive ideas, including a social media post where Loomer baselessly attacked Vice President Kamala Harris’ Indian heritage.
Loomer, who has a history of promoting unfounded conspiracy theories, including the false claim that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an “inside job,” recently targeted Harris in a racist online post. In the post, Loomer stated, “If [Harris] wins the election in November, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.”
Jean-Pierre described Loomer’s comments as “repugnant” and warned of the dangers of such divisive rhetoric. “It is un-American to say these types of things, exactly the kind of hateful and divisive rhetoric that we should denounce,” she added.
The Trump campaign has not responded to requests for comment regarding his association with Loomer or her inflammatory remarks. However, this relationship has not gone unnoticed within Republican circles. Some GOP members, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and a spokesperson for Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have condemned Loomer’s racist remarks. Greene urged Loomer to remove her “extremely racist” post about Harris, while Graham’s spokesperson, Taylor Reidy, called Loomer “a stain on society,” adding, “There should be no place of prominence in this country for her vile, mean-spirited, destructive, racist rhetoric.”
Loomer has also been criticized for spreading false conspiracy theories beyond her comments on Harris and 9/11. Recently, she made inflammatory claims about Haitian migrants, saying on social media that “Haitian immigrants aren’t just eating cats and dogs… they eat HUMANS.” Trump echoed a similar sentiment during a debate in Philadelphia, falsely claiming that Haitian migrants in Ohio were “eating the pets of the people that live there.”
The anti-migrant rhetoric has already stirred fear among the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. The town temporarily closed its City Hall on Thursday after receiving a bomb threat, heightening concerns over the impact of such inflammatory language. Haitian residents have expressed fear for their safety, telling NBC News they are “scared for their lives.”
Trump’s refusal to distance himself from Loomer or denounce her conspiracy theories has drawn growing unease within Republican ranks. Nonetheless, most GOP lawmakers have remained silent, refraining from commenting on the association between the former president and Loomer.
The White House’s condemnation of Loomer and her growing proximity to Trump highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding far-right figures influencing political discourse ahead of the 2024 election. As the relationship continues, it could further polarize an already divided political landscape.
