According to reports from US media, including CNN and others, several U.S. national security officials were dismissed following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and far-right conspiracy theorist and influencer Laura Loomer.
According to The New York Times, around six employees from the National Security Council were let go, with several more being moved to different roles after a meeting between President Trump and extreme right-wing figure Laura Loomer.
Several senior National Security Council officials were dismissed, including David Feith, who was responsible for supervising technology and national security issues, as well as Brian Walsh, who handled oversight of intelligence matters. This information comes from reports by Reuters.
The causes of the dismissals remained unclear; however, anonymous sources informed Reuters that problems had arisen regarding their screening and backgrounds.
This incident follows a controversy involving President Trump’s National Security Council (NSC) the previous week. A reporter from the U.S.-based magazine The Atlantic inadvertently found themselves included in a Signal app conversation discussing airstrikes targeting Houthi insurgents in Yemen.
What information do we have regarding the meeting?
The encounter between Trump and Loomer allegedly took 30 minutes and supposedly involved National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, as reported by various media outlets.
The Vice President, JD Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Director of Presidential Personnel Sergio Gor were reportedly present at the event.
Trump acknowledged the meeting to journalists while traveling on Air Force One, referring to Loomer as "a great patriot." He mentioned that she provided suggestions regarding potential hires. Trump didn’t specify whether her advice included recommending dismissals within the NSC staff.
Who is Laura Loomer?
A right-wing conspiracy theorist and influencer named Loomer has gained attention for his provocative comments and particularly because he famously argued that the September 11th terrorist strikes were orchestrated from within.
In spite of the debates around her, Loomer maintains a close relationship with Trump. During the 2024 elections, she frequently traveled aboard his campaign aircraft.
Loomer verified the appointment on social media platforms. She mentioned that she shared "opposition research" with Trump.
"It was an honor to meet with President Trump and share my research findings with him," Loomer stated on X on Thursday.
I will keep striving to back his initiatives and continually emphasize the significance of stringent vetting measures to safeguard both the President of the United States and our nation’s security.
She stated that "in consideration of President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office, I will refrain from sharing any specifics" about the meeting.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
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