Far-right activist Laura Loomer is asserting her influence over the Trump administration, achieving notable policy changes despite lacking an official government role. The most recent example of her impact came when the U.S. State Department announced a pause on the issuance of visitor visas for individuals from Gaza, a move Loomer has vocally championed through her substantial social media presence and connections within the White House.
The decision to halt visas follows Loomer’s lobbying efforts, particularly targeting the nonprofit organization HEAL Palestine, which assists in evacuating injured children from Gaza. Loomer has described these flights as a “national security threat,” urging the administration to expand its travel ban to include Gaza and to deport individuals from the enclave who entered the U.S. in recent years.
Loomer’s relationship with President Donald Trump has attracted attention, especially as she has gained meetings with him and Vice President Vance. Despite White House spokespeople clarifying that she does not formally advise the administration, Trump remarked in April that he occasionally considers Loomer’s recommendations, calling her a “great patriot.”
While some aides within Trump’s circle have expressed concern about Loomer’s influence, particularly during the ongoing 2024 campaign, her recent successes suggest a growing foothold. Notably, Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, referenced Loomer’s involvement in the visa decision during an appearance on “Face The Nation,” indicating that evidence from congressional offices about ties between certain organizations and Hamas played a crucial role in the State Department’s action.
Loomer has a controversial history, marked by anti-Muslim activism, having previously described Islam as a “cancer.” Her provocative statements have led to bans from social media platforms, although she was reinstated after Elon Musk acquired X, formerly known as Twitter. Despite her polarizing nature, Loomer remains undeterred, actively seeking to identify and challenge Trump administration officials she deems insufficiently loyal to his agenda.
In April, Loomer met with Trump in the Oval Office, where she raised concerns about staff vetting on the National Security Council. Following her meeting, several officials were removed from their positions. She has maintained her focus on the Health and Human Services Department, targeting figures such as Trump’s initial pick for surgeon general and advocating for the ousting of Vinay Prasad, the FDA’s vaccine regulator.
In recent weeks, Loomer has intensified her attacks on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his staff, accusing them of undermining Trump’s agenda. Kennedy publicly countered Loomer’s claims on X, declaring he is not running for president in 2028 and reaffirming his loyalty to Trump. Loomer responded defiantly, stating her intentions to escalate her criticism of those she views as disloyal.
As Loomer continues to navigate the complexities of influence within the Trump administration, her ability to sway key decisions raises questions about the dynamics of political power in the current landscape. Her actions exemplify how external voices can shape policy, even from outside official channels, reflecting a shifting relationship between grassroots activism and formal governance.
