Laura Loomer, outspoken right-wing agitator who propagated 9/11 conspiracy theories, influencing Trump's quest for a discourse.
The gathering featured two heavyweights in Trump's inner circle: his campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles. Close by was yet another significant figure, one whose impact on the Republican nominee should not be overlooked: the right-wing agitator Laura Loomer.
September 11 stood out as an unusual day for Loomer to accompany him, given her past transgressions. The previous year, she posted a video on social media suggesting that 9/11 was an "inside job," a baseless yet persistent conspiracy theory that continues to add to the suffering of 9/11 victims' families and survivors. Loomer's controversial social media posts ultimately resulted in a suspension from Twitter, which lasted until Elon Musk bought the platform and reinstated her account.
When asked for clarification on Loomer's presence during Trump's commemoration trips to New York and Pennsylvania, a campaign representative opted to focus on the bipartisan event with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden instead of addressing Loomer directly.
"The day was about honoring the lost souls, their loved ones, and the brave individuals who selflessly sacrificed to save their fellow Americans that fateful day," the representative said.
During a phone conversation with CNN, Loomer explained her presence at the memorial, stating, "I don't understand what all the fuss is about me going to a 9/11 tribute. In fact, the people who greeted President Trump at the memorial thanked me for attending."
She also defended herself, claiming, "I've never denied that Muslim extremists were responsible for the 9/11 attacks. In fact, it's because I devote so much energy to discussing the threats of Islamic extremism in America that the media labels me as anti-Muslim."
Loomer's presence near Trump in recent days is a reflection of her increasing influence with him. With direct access to his personal number, she has utilized it to reach out to him, according to a source familiar with their relationship. Another source maintains that she respects his team and adheres to the usual communication processes when trying to contact him.
Loomer has accompanied Trump on several trips and regularly attends events where he speaks. There have been occasions when her inflammatory social media posts seem to anticipate Trump's next attack.
Trump has a history of embracing conspiracy theories and often aligns himself with those who perpetuate them, especially if they support him. He entered politics as a prominent propagator of myths about Barack Obama's birthplace, and after losing the 2020 election, he surrounded himself with people pushing questionable or discredited theories claiming he had won.
Several individuals close to Trump believe Loomer has played a role in amplifying some of the troubling conspiracy theories that Trump has elevated since Harris assumed the vice presidency, leading to his growing frustration with the political landscape he currently faces.
When Trump questioned Harris' ethnicity during an especially charged interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference, an adviser pointed the finger at Loomer, who had unfoundedly accused Harris of concealing her Black heritage before Trump's appearance. Others refuted the notion that she was responsible for Trump's comment.
"It's not racist to poke fun at the fact that Kamala Harris exploits any group she encounters in an attempt to appear relatable to them," Loomer informed CNN, refraining from commenting on her influence over Trump's remarks.
When Trump touched down in Philadelphia ahead of his debate against Harris, Loomer was among his closest allies who disembarked his private plane. Some saw it as a coincidence that later that night, Trump made a controversial comment during the debate about immigrants allegedly eating pets in Ohio, a rumor that had spread online, including by Loomer. Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, subsequently admitted that the claim might not be accurate.
The references to migrant crime in the United States during the debate perplexed some of Trump's advisors, according to sources familiar with the situation.
However, Trump advisers persisted in their assertion that the narrative boosted their campaign by drawing attention to migrant crime in the U.S.
Two days before the debate, Loomer forecasted a victory for Harris, implying that "the White House will reek of curry," and future speeches would be similiarly delivered by a call center, referring to Harris's Indian heritage.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a known conspiracy theorist herself, criticized the post on social media, calling it "appalling and extremely racist." She continued by stating, "It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA."
Loomer clarified her post to CNN, "It's interesting to see how the media repeatedly accuses me of racism. This is the same woman who was recorded cooking Indian food with Indian celebrities and spoke about her enjoyment of cooking with curry."
Trump's association with Loomer has puzzled many conservatives who believe her actions are detrimental to the quest to elect a Republican.
Podcast host Steve Deace expressed his sentiment, stating, "Loomer provides zero benefit to Donald Trump other than causing unnecessary harm to social media for those who should be supporting him. She is the embodiment of the point of diminishing returns."
"She is not contributing anything constructive to Trump's campaign, but rather, generating backlash from the very individuals who should be supporting him," Deace added.
Loomer has built her career on stirring up controversy. Originating from the extreme right-wing online community, she consistently tests the boundaries of internet companies' policies by enforcing their terms of service. She once labeled herself as a "proud Islamophobe" and tweeted in 2018 that a non-Islamic version of Uber or Lyft was needed, as she didn't want to support any more Islamic immigrant drivers. Consequently, she was banned from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Loomer stated to CNN that she isn't "anti-Muslim."
She attempted to run for Congress in Florida twice, even once to represent Trump's residence in Mar-a-Lago, largely centered on her support for Trump. Regrettably, she lost both races.
Loomer's unwavering support for Trump was prominent during the Republican primary, where she harassed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at public appearances with a megaphone and spread unverified claims about his wife's health online.
Despite LaCivita and Wiles having successfully marginalized several supporters who were associated with Trump's initial two White House campaigns, Loomer has persisted.
Last year, Trump itself brought up the possibility of hiring Loomer in an official capacity, according to sources speaking to CNN at the time. However, Trump's advisors and allies objected to the idea and it never materialized. On social media, Loomer maintained that she does not work for the political team, stating that she is merely a devoted advocate, who believes Trump deserves unwavering loyalty.
Remarkably, the ardent Trump supporter has enjoyed near unrestricted access to Trump as he pursues the presidency once more. At a cryptocurrency conference this summer, Trump noticed Loomer and praised her, lauding her as an "excellent person, fantastic woman."
A source close to Trump confirmed, "He appreciates her. Remember, talks about hiring her last year never took off. Some of these people might end up on the plane for a day or two."
Loomer's travel with Trump is indicative of her rising influence within his circle, although it has caused some friction among certain members of Trump's inner circle.
Following the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, this summer, enhanced security on Trump's Boeing 757 resulted in fewer seats for advisors and allies, with several being forced to fly commercially to Trump events. Those who enjoyed a privileged position aboard what's known as "Trump Force One" generated internal perceptions of exclusive standings.
Loomer confirmed to CNN that she also accompanied Trump on the plane following the assassination attempt.
"He wanted me on the plane with him the day after he almost had an assassination attempt. I was with him. I flew with him to the (Republican National Convention), thus proving my trustworthiness and loyalty," Loomer stated.
Except for Loomer, those seen departing the plane with him at the debate were his closest aides and advisers, as well as those who aided in his preparation for the face-off against Harris - Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and long-time advisor Stephen Miller.
Despite Loomer's controversial past and her suggestion of 9/11 being an "inside job," her influence with Trump continues to grow, as seen by her frequent travel with him and direct access to his personal number.
Politics often involve figures with controversial backgrounds, and Loomer's presence in Trump's circle is a testament to this reality, illustrating how beliefs and allegiances in the political arena can be complex and multifaceted.
