Former President Donald Trump on Friday refused to disavow racist commentary and Sept. 11 conspiracy theories shared by a controversial new member of his entourage.
Trump claimed ignorance during a California press conference when he was asked about Laura Loomer's appearances this week on Trump Force One and at a Sept. 11 memorial event — despite her recent racist remarks about Vice Kamala Harris.
"I don't control Laura, Laura has to say what she wants, she's a free spirit," Trump said. "She's a strong person and she's got strong opinions and I don't know what she said, but that's not up to me."
Loomer sparked outrage this week from conservatives, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), when she made a racist remark that the White House would smell like curry should Harris win the presidential election in November.
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Onlookers also expressed concerns that Loomer appeared with Trump at a New York City firehouse to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11, the terrorist attack she has called an “inside job," echoing a conspiracy theory.
Despite the fact that he's been praising her since 2020 and last year considered hiring her to join his campaign, Trump Friday claimed ignorance of her much-reported commentary.
It was on this basis Trump refused to disavow Loomer's comments on Harris and 9/11.
"We'll have to see what the remarks are," Trump said. "I don't even know what you're talking about. I do know that she may have said something based on what you're telling me, but I don't know what she said."
Asked about Loomer's repeated rides on Trump Force One, he replied, "It's a very big plane."
