Trump slammed for vague response on Laura Loomer’s presence in his entourage despite GOP concerns

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump's growing closeness to far-right activist Laura Loomer is raising eyebrows, even within his own Republican circles.

The former president’s recent interactions with Loomer — known for her extreme conspiracy theories and inflammatory rhetoric — have raised eyebrows among his colleagues. And when Trump was pressed on this issue, his response left more questions than answers.

Donald Trump calls Laura Loomer a 'free spirit' and 'longtime supporter'

The controversy began when Laura Loomer was spotted boarding Donald Trump’s plane on a trip to Philadelphia, where he was preparing for his debate against Kamala Harris.

It wasn’t just a casual visit either; she was with him at the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York, after having previously peddled conspiracy theories claiming the attacks were an “inside job".

The fact that Trump chose to be publicly associated with Loomer raised alarm among some of his Republican allies. A number of Republicans voiced their concerns privately, warning that Loomer’s involvement could be damaging.

But when Trump was asked about these concerns during a news conference at his Los Angeles golf resort, his answer didn’t quite clear things up. He referred to Loomer as a “supporter”—not once, not twice, but five times.

“Well, I don’t know what they would say,” Trump responded when asked what his Republican colleagues might think.

"Laura’s been a supporter. Just like a lot of people are supporters. She speaks very positively of the campaign. I can’t tell Laura what to do. She’s a free spirit.”

Things didn’t get easier for Trump as the conversation continued. A reporter pointed out Loomer’s history, saying: “Laura Loomer is traveling with you on your plane.... She made racist remarks about your opponent. She has also espoused 9/11 conspiracies. Do you disavow those remarks?”

Trump’s response? More deflection. “I have to see what those remarks are,” he said. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about. She may have said something based on what you’re telling me. I‘ll go take a look and I’ll put out a statement later on.”

And put out a statement he did, but not quite the kind one might expect. Later that day, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to clarify things—kind of.

“Laura Loomer doesn't work for the Campaign. She's a private citizen and longtime supporter," he began.

"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!"

"I am now in California, which Democrats like Comrade Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newscum have completely DESTROYED. I will turn it all around and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! -DJT," Trump added.

Laura Loomer’s racist tweet causes a stir 

Not everyone in Donald Trump’s orbit is as willing to let Laura Loomer off the hook.

Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, who once supported Loomer during her 2020 congressional run, took issue with one of the latter's particularly offensive tweets.

Loomer had suggested that if Kamala Harris — whose mother is Indian — were to win, “the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.”

Greene was quick to distance herself from Loomer’s remarks.

“This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA,” the Georgia Republican wrote. “This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.”

Greene even told CNN that she believes Trump should cut ties with Loomer. “I don’t think that she has the experience or the right mentality to advise a very important presidential election," she said.

It wasn’t just Greene calling out Loomer’s behavior. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham had similar thoughts. In an interview with HuffPost, Graham labeled Loomer as “toxic".

“We have policy disagreements but the history of this person is just really toxic,” Graham said on Thursday, September 12.

“I mean, she actually called for Kellyanne Conway’s daughter to hang herself. I don’t know how this all happened, but, no, I don’t think it’s helpful. I don’t think it’s helpful at all.”

Graham added, “Marjorie Taylor Greene is right. I don’t say that a lot.”

Loomer, however, shot back at her critics in an X tirade.  According to Loomer, the two members of Congress were just bitter that they weren’t on the plane with Trump.

“There is only one thing I care about: Getting Donald Trump elected. Donald Trump is my number 1 priority,” she posted.

Donald Trump’s 'free spirit' comment sparks backlash on social media

While Donald Trump may have tried to downplay his connection to Lauran Loomer, his comments about her being a “free spirit” didn’t exactly go over well on social media.

"In other words, she panders to my ego so I’m a happy, happy boy!" one posted on X.

"That's a very, very nice way of describing Laura Loomer. I'm not sure them are the words I'd use about that woman. But I'm glad he's keeping her close. That woman alone could derail his campaign," another chimed in.

"Excellent DonOld! Let her alienate moderate voters!" someone else added.

"Shocking to think he’s risking the election for this grotesque creature," read a comment.

"Once he's sick of her, he'll claim he doesn't know her," another insisted.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.