(NewsNation) — Laura Loomer may not be a name familiar to many Americans, but the conservative activist has shot to prominence in recent days.
Loomer, who describes herself on X as an “investigative journalist,” has worked as a reporter for several conservative-leaning media outlets, including Rebel News and Alex Jones’ InfoWars. She also unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020 and 2022.
Why is Laura Loomer in the news?
Loomer has been criticized by Republicans for her views and is considered a conspiracy theorist.
While former President Donald Trump has praised her before, Loomer was notably present alongside Trump during 9/11 commemoration services Wednesday.
Like her former boss Jones, Loomer has said she believes the Sept. 11 attacks were an “inside job.”
Loomer told the Associated Press she is not part of Trump’s team despite joining him at the memorials.
According to multiple reports, Loomer was on the Republican nominee’s plane to the presidential debate Tuesday.
What has Laura Loomer said?
On Friday morning, Loomer posted on X there are “still a lot of unanswered questions” about 9/11.
Loomer noted there are classified documents regarding the attacks and said “The American people deserve to know the truth.”
“Not just what our lying government chose to tell us. There’s so many unanswered questions … Why?” she added.
Loomer has made many posts conveying anti-Islamic and anti-migration sentiment, but it is one comment about Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris that caused the most blowback of late.
The activist, who has 1.2 million followers on X, posted on Sept. 8: “If Kamala Harris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.”
Why some Republicans are concerned by Loomer
Loomer’s tweet about Harris led to criticism from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who called it an “extremely racist” post.
Greene told CNN of Loomer: “I don’t think she has the experience or the right mentality to advise a very important presidential election.”
Loomer responded to CNN, arguing the media were “falsely accus(ing) me of being racist.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told the HuffPost that Loomer’s comments were “abhorrent.”
“I think that the president would serve himself well to make sure this doesn’t become a bigger story,” he said.
In response to the public critiques, Loomer theorized on X that Republicans such as Greene and Graham were “attacking” her because they weren’t on Trump’s plane instead.
“All I care about is helping Donald Trump get elected,” Loomer wrote. “That’s all I do, and that’s all I care about. I don’t have time to deal with petty bulls—.”
Loomer doubled down on her Harris comments, writing Friday on X: “I meant every word of what I said about Kamala Harris who panders for votes and spends more time cooking than talking policy.”
What has Trump said about Loomer?
Trump has not spoken much publicly about Loomer, but the activist insisted to the Washington Post in May that Trump likes her.
That much is true given her presence alongside the former president this week. The New York Times reported in 2023 that Trump considered hiring her before aides pushed back.
In August 2023, Trump thanked Loomer for her support in a video posted by the latter on X.
“It’s great to have you, and you’ve been really very special,” Trump said in the clip.
“You work hard, and you are a very opinionated lady. I have to tell you that, and in my opinion, I like that,” Trump said. “I appreciate all of your support, and everybody appreciates your support. Thank you.”
During his Friday press conference in California, Trump addressed Loomer’s relationship with him, and lack thereof with the campaign.
“Laura has been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people are supporters, and she’s been a supporter of mine,” Trump said.
“She speaks very positively of the campaign… Laura has to say what she wants. She’s a she’s a free spirit.”