Laura Loomer maintains significant influence within the pro-Trump digital landscape but remains unable to secure press credentials for White House briefings. While the administration has extended access to various online commentators and podcasters, Loomer, known as a far-right provocateur with a loyal online following, says her applications have gone unanswered despite direct contact with the president.
Loomer offered a reason for the lack of access. She told a news outlet that there is apprehension she might ask questions about the loyalties of individuals within the White House, fearing her having a broad platform to do so.
She has questioned, for instance, why Hunter Biden, son of the former president, retained Secret Service protection after Trump took office. Loomer also seeks accountability for White House legal team actions regarding judges and the initial hiring of staff she views as having questionable allegiances.
Her stated intention is to hold people accountable to support the America First agenda, not out of malice toward administration members. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on her status.
Unlike some right-wing commentators who primarily amplify administration talking points, Loomer often directs scrutiny inward, targeting perceived adversaries within the government. Her work recently gained attention following the ousting of national security adviser Michael Waltz.
Loomer publicly criticized Waltz over personnel choices she felt did not align with the MAGA movement. After a phone call with Loomer and an Oval Office meeting, Trump dismissed aides Loomer had flagged before reassigning Waltz. Loomer commented on social media that he had been "Loomered," a term used to describe individuals facing job or reputation issues after drawing her attention.
Loomer believes a lack of proper vetting poses a risk to Trump's agenda. She searches backgrounds of officials, sharing findings with her online followers. She contends that public questions in a briefing room might cause less disruption than private appeals to the president.
She contrasts her situation with that of other new media figures granted access. She points to her influence, noting the president calls her and holds private meetings, and questions why she would not meet press team standards when others with smaller followings are granted access.
The administration does have reasons to approach Loomer cautiously. Her past comments and promotion of conspiracy theories have drawn criticism. Her proximity to Trump, including joint appearances, lessened after a September 11 event where she had previously posted a video questioning events of that day. Earlier reports indicated senior advisers tried to limit her access to the West Wing, and Trump directives to hire her reportedly did not result in employment.
However, a new opportunity arose when the press secretary invited "new media" to apply for access, including a rotating seat and specialized briefings. This initiative seeks to shake up briefing room seating. One former Trump press secretary suggested Loomer's exclusion might stem from the White House defining "new media" differently, viewing her as an influencer rather than a journalist.
Other new media figures granted access have sometimes offered praise for the administration during briefings, or used the platform to criticize traditional news outlets. Some commentators, even within conservative media, have called these sessions overly flattering. One wrote that he was "starting to get highly annoyed with all the glazing" from invitees, advocating for right-wing media to hold Trump accountable from the right.
Loomer says that accountability is her mission. "I want the (right wing) media to hold Trump accountable from the right," Geoffrey Ingersoll, a former editor, commented.
