The Journey of Laura Loomer From Barry University to the Edge of Trump’s Inner Circle
Far-right media personality Laura Loomer, known for her conspiracy theories, self-proclaimed Islamophobia and provocative political activism, has stirred a fresh bout of controversy all over again. This time, her targets were H1B visa and Indian immigrants. In a series of tweets, Loomer called Indian immigrants “third-world invaders” and accused tech billionaires of exploiting the visa system for “cheap labor.” “I voted for a reduction of H1B visas, not an extension,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter), triggering widespread backlash, with many critics condemning her remarks as xenophobic and racially insensitive. Loomer, a staunch ally of Trump, found herself in the middle of this controversy after the President-elect appointed Indian-American engineer Shriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence. Here’s a glimpse into the academic journey and career of Loomer, dotted by controversy and extremism.
From Mount Holyoke to Barry University: A Turbulent Academic Journey
Loomer began her college years at Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts but left after just one semester, citing discrimination against her conservative views. The shift brought her to Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, where she found a more supportive environment to pursue journalism. Loomer graduated in 2015 from Barry University with a degree in broadcast journalism.
It was during her time at Barry University that Laura Loomer first gained national attention. In a highly controversial incident, Loomer secretly recorded a meeting with university officials in which she proposed the formation of a pro-ISIS student group. The video, which was later released through the conservative media outlet Project Veritas, sparked outrage and widespread condemnation. In the footage, Loomer, posing as a prospective student, suggested that the university allow the creation of a group advocating for ISIS, testing the institution’s response to radical views. The video went viral quite quickly and drew a spate of criticism, with many accusing Loomer of attempting to incite division and chaos under the guise of investigative journalism. This stunt marked the beginning of her notoriety in right-wing circles, positioning her as a provocateur with a penchant for pushing the limits of acceptable discourse.
Laura Loomer As a Journalist
After completing her college education, Laura Loomer aligned herself with several far-right media outlets, including Project Veritas, Infowars, and Rebel Media, organizations known for their provocative and often controversial content. Today, Loomer runs her own news and opinion website, Loomered, where she produces and broadcasts video segments under the moniker “Loomer Unleashed.” Through her platform, she continues to champion her far-right views, offering a mix of news coverage and commentary that often challenges mainstream narratives.
Infamous Stunts of Laura Loomer
Loomer has gained notoriety for many of her infamous, high-profile stunts as an investigative journalist. Among her most infamous stunts was a 2016 Election Day escapade where she donned a burqa and attempted to vote under the name of Huma Abedin, a close adviser to Hillary Clinton. The act, Loomer claimed, was both a protest and a provocation. The stunt, which unfolded in a polling station in New York, was criticised by many as an attempt to exploit religious and political sensitivities for publicity.
This was followed by many in 2017 when she interrupted a production of the musical Julius Caesar in New York City, protesting the depiction of violence against a character resembling Trump. Though Loomer was escorted out of the venue, the incident ignited a heated debate on free speech and political expression.
The Trump Connection
Loomer’s ties to Trump have raised eyebrows, even within Republican circles. She was spotted aboard Trump’s plane during a trip to Philadelphia for a presidential debate, sparking speculation about her influence in his inner circle. Last year, the New York Times reported that Trump had considered hiring Loomer for his campaign but was dissuaded by advisors.
