Donald Trump distances himself from far-right activist Laura Loomer

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday sought to create distance between himself and far-right activist Laura Loomer, whose participation in his campaign trail activities has sparked backlash from both sides of the political spectrum.

While Trump clarified that Loomer does not hold an official role in his campaign, he did not reject her support despite the controversy surrounding her previous statements.

In a statement released on Friday, Trump addressed Loomer’s presence, emphasizing that while he does not agree with all of her past remarks, she is still welcome as a supporter.

“She’s a strong person with strong opinions,” Trump said during a press conference at his Southern California golf club.

He went on to call her a “free spirit,” but made it clear that she does not have a formal position within his campaign, even though Loomer traveled with him on his plane throughout the week.

Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist with a following of over 1.2 million on X (formerly Twitter), has garnered attention for promoting extreme views, including suggesting that the September 11, 2001, attacks were an inside job.

She has since recanted that position, telling CNN in a recent interview that she now believes the attacks were carried out by “Islamic terrorists.”

Loomer’s presence at Trump’s debate in Philadelphia earlier this week, and her subsequent attendance at a 9/11 commemoration event in New York, reignited controversy when she posted a racially charged comment on X.

Loomer tweeted that if Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who is of Indian descent, wins the presidential election, "the White House will smell like curry and speeches will be facilitated via a call center."

This post prompted widespread condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was quick to denounce Loomer's remarks, calling them “racist poison” and criticizing Trump for associating with her.

Jean-Pierre emphasized that such rhetoric is harmful and divisive, and questioned why Trump has not disavowed her comments.

The controversy has also created division within the Republican Party. Several prominent Republicans have spoken out against Loomer’s remarks.

US Senator Thom Tillis condemned her on X, calling her a "crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly spews disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans."

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senator Lindsey Graham also expressed disapproval of Loomer’s rhetoric, with Graham stating that her comments do not represent the values of the Republican Party.

Despite the backlash, Loomer has remained a vocal supporter of Trump.

Throughout the day on Friday, she continued to promote Trump’s statements on X, where she also made incendiary remarks about immigrants who enter the US illegally.

She dismissed the criticism from Republican leaders as jealousy, claiming they were envious of her proximity to Trump.

"I'm simply a ride-or-die supporter of President Trump," she posted, adding that those attacking her were upset because they were not the ones accompanying Trump on his plane.

Loomer, a Florida-based activist, has run unsuccessfully for Congress twice and has a long history of expressing anti-Muslim views.

Her inflammatory statements led to her original ban from Twitter, a decision that was reversed after Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform and its rebranding as X.

Since then, Loomer has resumed her activity on the social media site, where she continues to attract attention for her controversial views.

The growing controversy surrounding Loomer’s involvement in Trump's campaign comes as Trump himself tries to navigate a contentious presidential race.

Although he distanced himself from her more extreme positions, Trump has stopped short of fully disavowing Loomer, a decision that is likely to remain a point of contention as the 2024 election approaches.