President Trump has minimized the reports suggesting that far-right activist Laura Loomer had an influence on the recent firings within the National Security Council. Trump acknowledged that a number of people were dismissed but did not provide specifics regarding the quantity or reasons. “There are always situations where people may be let go, whether it’s due to not meeting expectations, aligning with others over the current administration, or simply not being liked,” he remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One.
In a social media post, Loomer commented on her involvement in the dismissals, suggesting that the officials she mentioned to President Trump were working against him, noting their defense by certain media commentators.
National Security Council spokesperson, Brian Hughes, stated that the NSC would refrain from discussing personnel issues. Trump mentioned a conversation with Loomer on the previous day, acknowledging that she suggested potential hires, but he clarified that Loomer was not linked to the NSC firings. The President stated, “I consider everybody’s opinions before making a decision.”
Loomer has previously campaigned for Congress as a Republican without success and is recognized for spreading conspiracy theories and expressing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments. She recently shared a video accusing 9/11 of being an “inside job” and mocked former Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ Indian background.
Although Loomer was banned from various social media platforms, she was reinstated on X after it was acquired by Elon Musk and now has a following exceeding 1.5 million. President Trump referred to Loomer as both a “patriot” and a “good person.”
The dismissals occur amidst examination of the administration’s security procedures. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz or an associate unintentionally included Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed information about airstrikes in Yemen. The Pentagon’s acting inspector general, prompted by Congress, is investigating the incident.
President Trump has resisted pressures to remove Waltz and Hegseth, and the White House insists that no classified information was disclosed.
