Former US President Donald Trump has praised Laura Loomer, a white nationalist conspiracy theorist and failed political candidate, as 'terrific' and 'very special' in an online video. Loomer, 30, has been banned from major social media platforms after describing herself as a 'proud Islamophobe' and making inflammatory remarks about Muslims.
In the video, recorded at Trump's Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, Loomer told Trump he was 'crushing it' in the Republican presidential primary. Trump responded: 'It's great to have you and you are very special and you work hard … I appreciate your support and everybody appreciates your support.'
Loomer has spread conspiracy theories about mass shootings, including the Parkland school shooting in Florida, and has been closely linked to white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Trump previously endorsed Loomer in 2020 when she won a Republican primary but was heavily defeated in the general election. She switched districts in 2022 but narrowly lost another primary.
Trump's praise comes despite his own legal troubles, as he faces 78 criminal charges across three indictments. He currently leads the Republican primary field by a wide margin, with a polling average of 53.7% against his nearest challenger Ron DeSantis at 14.3%.
Some party insiders have expressed concern that if Trump is not the nominee, his coalition of supporters, including those on the extreme right, may not turn out to vote. However, Trump's endorsement of Loomer has drawn criticism from other far-right figures, including Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called Loomer 'mentally unstable and a documented liar'.
