Trump defends controversial choice to keep “free-spirit” Laura Loomer by his side

On Friday, Trump held a press conference in California. A reporter asked him what he would say to his Republican allies who have recently expressed concern about Loomer joining him on the campaign trail. "She's enthusiastic about the campaign. "I'm not sure why you asked that question," Trump replied. "But Laura's a supporter. I don't have control over Laura. Laura can say what she wants. "She's got a free spirit." When asked about the racist remarks Loomer made on social media this week about his rival Kamala Harris, Trump said he had "no idea what you're talking about" but promised to take a look and release a statement later. Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform that Loomer "doesn't work for the campaign" and that she's just a supporter. "I don't agree with what she said, but like the millions of people who support me, she's tired of seeing the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists attack and smear me," he added. Donald Trump is facing backlash for keeping Laura Loomer close. Laura Loomer was seen at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 10, 2024, opposing the carbon pipeline. Recently, Loomer, who is a conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed white nationalist, was seen with Trump on his private plane as he flew to Philadelphia for his presidential debate with Harris. She was also with him the next day when he invited her to attend two ceremonies honoring those lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks. Her association with Trump has drawn criticism from some MAGA Republicans, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called Loomer's comments about Harris "extremely racist," and Senator Lindsey Graham, who described Loomer as "toxic" and "not at all helpful" to Trump's campaign. Loomer has been responding to social media critics, which some have said is just making things worse for the Republican Party, which is already divided.