Donald Trump referred to far-right activist Laura Loomer as a “free spirit” with strong opinions on Friday. Republicans criticized her for spreading conspiracy theories and a recent bigoted social media post about Kamala Harris‘ race. This was triggered when she posted on X that if Kamala Harris won the presidential election, the White House would “smell like curry” and “White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.” The post has since been removed for violating X’s rules.
She has a history of promoting far-right conspiracy theories and anti-immigrant views. Most recently, she claimed that Haitian migrants are killing and eating pets in Ohio.
Laura Loomer is a polarizing figure in American political discourse, best known for her bold and often controversial actions as a far-right activist. Her ascent to fame was achieved through a combination of assertive strategies, provocative language, and effective utilization of social media platforms. While some regard her as a bold advocate for freedom of speech, others see her as a troubling figure promoting hateful ideas and conspiracy theories.
Loomer, who has served as an informal adviser to Donald Trump, last year even called the 9/11 as an “inside job.”
Because I am a genuine supporter of Donald Trump’s who has invested everything I have into supporting his campaign and I have dedicated my entire social life and all of my energy into helping him win.
I am independent and the transactional demons in the media don’t know what… https://t.co/l3cr9Q6ikD
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 15, 2024
Tactics and Public Stunts
Loomer’s tactics often blur the line between activism and performance. She first gained national attention as a reporter for the far-right group Project Veritas, known for its undercover operations targeting progressive organizations. However, it wasn’t until 2017, when she disrupted a Central Park production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, that she became a household name in conservative circles. Loomer stormed the stage to protest the depiction of a Trump-like Caesar being assassinated, accusing the production of inciting violence against the president. This stunt not only earned her media attention but solidified her status as a provocateur willing to take extreme measures to make her voice heard.
In the years following, Loomer continued to engage in a series of high-profile stunts, often targeting liberal politicians, corporations, and activists. Her protests ranged from handcuffing herself to the doors of Twitter’s New York office to protest her ban from the platform, to storming congressional hearings to confront lawmakers like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, whom she has accused of anti-American and anti-Semitic views.
Social Media Bans and Digital Censorship
One of Loomer’s most notable battles has been with social media platforms, where she has been permanently banned from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, PayPal, and Uber, among others. Loomer has been accused of making Islamophobic comments, promoting conspiracy theories, and engaging in targeted harassment online. She once called Islam a “cancer” and accused Muslim candidates in the U.S. government of being part of a “stealth jihad.”
Kamala Harris Targets Trump on Arlington National Cemetery Incident as ‘disrespected sacred ground’
In response to her de-platforming, Loomer has positioned herself as a martyr for free speech, claiming that she is being silenced by “Big Tech” due to her conservative views. This narrative has resonated with many on the right who see social media companies as biased against conservative voices. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against Twitter now X, alleging that her ban was politically motivated, though the case was dismissed. Her repeated claims of censorship have made her a symbol for those who argue that conservative speech is unfairly targeted in the digital age.
Political Ambitions
In addition to her activism, Loomer has attempted to translate her platform into political power. In 2020, she ran for Congress in Florida’s 21st District, which includes Ex-President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Despite receiving endorsements from several high-profile figures on the right, including Trump himself, Loomer was decisively defeated by the incumbent Democrat Lois Frankel, losing by a margin of 20 points. Nevertheless, her campaign demonstrated the growing influence of far-right populist candidates in the Republican Party.
Undeterred by her loss, Loomer announced her intention to run again in 2022, positioning herself as a voice for Trump-style populism and vowing to fight against what she calls the “radical left” and “Big Tech censorship.”
A Noticeable Figure in U.S. Politics
Laura Loomer’s career reflects the increasingly polarized nature of American politics, where activists on the extremes are gaining prominence by appealing to the most ideologically driven segments of the population. While some view her as a fearless advocate for free speech and conservative values, others see her as a provocateur who spreads hate and disinformation.
