Trump shrugs off Loomer association: ‘I don’t control Laura’

Former President Trump shrugged off a question about his association with far-right activist Laura Loomer as some of his Republican allies sound the alarm about her influence, saying Friday that she brings “a spirit” to his campaign.

Trump was asked about Republican concerns with Loomer’s proximity to the former president in recent days during an event in California. He made no effort to distance himself from Loomer, who has made numerous racist and conspiratorial comments over the years, and said he was unfamiliar with her past inflammatory statements.

“Laura’s been a supporter of mine. She speaks positively of the campaign,” Trump said. “Laura is a supporter. I don’t control Laura. She’s a free spirit.”

Trump went on to call Loomer “a strong person” with “strong opinions,” and he said he would go look at some of her comments that have caused controversy.

Loomer is an outspoken Trump supporter who is known for spreading conspiracy theories and using racist rhetoric. She flew on Trump’s plane to Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia and was part of his entourage as he attended memorial events Wednesday to mark the anniversary of 9/11.

She does not have any official role with Trump’s campaign, multiple sources said. But her association with the former president has attracted attention during a critical stretch of his White House bid.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), another staunch Trump ally, told reporters Wednesday that Loomer did not have the “experience or the right mentality” to advise Trump.

“I do know this, that her rhetoric and her tone does not match the base, it does not match MAGA, it does not match most Republicans I know,” Greene said. “And I’m really denouncing it. I’m over it.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called Loomer’s recent racist comments about Vice President Harris, in which she used crude stereotypes to attack Harris’s Indian heritage, “abhorrent” and noted Loomer made “disturbing” comments about Republicans.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Friday called Loomer “a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans.

“A DNC plant couldn’t do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump’s chances of winning re-election,” Tillis added in his social media post. “Enough.”

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