Former President Trump Authentic Social Posts President Donald Trump said Friday he disagrees with comments made by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has traveled with the former president and drawn criticism for sparring with Republicans friendly to Trump.
In his post, Trump wrote that he disagreed with Loomer's comments but did not provide specific comments, but described her as a “private citizen and longtime supporter.”
“I disagree with what she said, but like millions of my supporters, she is tired of watching me be slammed and slandered by far-left Marxists and Fascists who will stop at nothing to stop me, their political enemy!” Trump wrote.
At a campaign event early Friday, Trump ignored questions about Loomer, saying she brings “spirit” to the campaign amid alarm bells from some Republican allies about her influence.
Speaking at an event in California, Trump did not seek to distance himself from Loomer, who has made numerous racist and conspiracy-mongering comments over the years, saying he was unaware of her past inflammatory comments.
“Laura is an advocate of mine. She's been speaking positively about the campaign,” Trump said. “Laura is an advocate. I don't control Laura. She's a free spirit.”
Trump also called Loomer a “strong person” with “strong opinions” and said he would look into some of her controversial statements.
Loomer, an outspoken Trump supporter known for spreading conspiracy theories and making racist slurs, flew with Trump to the debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday and was part of Trump's entourage for an event marking the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Wednesday.
She has no official role in the Trump campaign, according to multiple sources, but her ties to the former president have drawn attention at a critical juncture in Trump's quest for the White House.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), another staunch Trump ally, told reporters on Wednesday that Loomer did not have the “experience or the proper mental capacity” to advise Trump.
“I know that her rhetoric and her tone doesn't sit well with her base, it doesn't sit well with MAGA, it doesn't sit well with the majority of Republicans that I know,” Greene said. “I really condemn it. I'm sick of it.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called Loomer's recent racist comments about Vice President Harris “abhorrent,” noting that she has made “disturbing” comments about Republicans, including using a crude stereotype to attack Harris' Indian ancestry.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Friday called Loomer “a crazed conspiracy theorist who regularly spews sickening rants intended to divide the Republican Party.”
“No DNC operative could do a better job than she to undermine President Trump's reelection chances,” Tillis added in a social media post. “Enough is enough.”
This story was first published at 2:32pm EDT.
