Latest news with #LauraLoomer
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
MAGA civil war gets uglier as Trump first pal Laura Loomer hurls Qatar money ‘lie' at Tucker Carlson
The MAGA civil war over the specter of America joining Israel's conflict with Iran has grown increasingly ugly in recent days as Donald Trump superfan and 'proud Islamophobe' Laura Loomer is now accusing Tucker Carlson of being bankrolled by Qatar, prompting Carlson's team to call out Loomer's 'lie.' Loomer, who generally sides with the hardcore 'America First' wing of Trump's coalition, has split from the MAGA isolationists and found common cause with the hawkish Republicans and right-wing commentators who are incessantly nudging the president to take military action against Tehran. In doing so, Loomer — who has the president's ear — has also pledged to snitch on any of her fellow conservative pundits and influencers who 'is sh*t talking Trump right now,' anointing herself the 'loyalty enforcer' of MAGA. 'I am screenshotting everyone's posts and I'm going to deliver them in a package to President Trump so he sees who is truly with him and who isn't,' Loomer tweeted this week. 'And I think by now everyone knows I mean it when I say I'm going to deliver something to Trump.' The rabid Trump supporter and self-described 'investigative journalist,' who has already taken credit for Trump axing his national security adviser and other 'disloyal' aides, is now looking to use her influence with the president to kneecap another longtime Trump ally who has been critical of the administration's Iran saber-rattling. During a recent discussion with Steve Bannon, the former Trump strategist who has also warned the president about attacking Iran, Carlson denied the implication lobbed by Fox News host Mark Levin that he was being paid by the Qatari government. Levin, who has been engaged in a months-long back-and-forth with his former Fox colleague over the brewing tensions with Iran, also accused Carlson of leaking stories to the press about him. 'Chatsworth Qatarlson is very angry,' Levin tweeted last week. 'Busy leaking to and planting stories with his media pals. Burning up his cellphone with calls to his embeds in government and his Koch-heads at the Quincy institute. A desperate man does desperate things.' The 'Qatarlson' jab appeared to refer to a Washington Examiner story last month about Qatar's foreign influence operation targeting conservative media figures, specifically noting that the Muslim kingdom's 'biggest victory in its post-election right-wing media campaign' was Carlson's friendly interview with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in March. The story noted that Foreign Agents Registration Act records showed that consulting firm Lumen8 Advisors LLC helped facilitate the interview, adding that the Qatari government was paying Lumen8 Advisors $180,000 per month 'to provide media and communication coaching and consulting services.' Meanwhile, the story that Levin suggested Carlson 'planted' was a Politico article about the 'MAGA vs. hawk battle' over Iran and Trump. Politico reported that Levin had a private lunch with Trump earlier this month in which he told the president that 'Iran was days away from building a nuclear weapon' despite American intelligence saying the opposite. The previously unreported meeting, where Levin urged Trump to allow Israel to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, was sourced to 'an intelligence official as well as another Trump ally familiar with the matter.' During his sitdown with Bannon earlier this week, Carlson outright refuted that the Qatari government had paid him. 'They know I'm not working for Qatar,' he declared. 'I've never taken a dime from any foreign country or anybody. They're the ones who have these weird, complex motives, and so they project onto everyone else the same.' Sharing a screenshot of the FARA documents that the Examiner had reported on last month, Loomer — who backtracked on her criticism of Trump accepting a free Qatari jet last month — claimed that she had caught Carlson lying and that he was peddling 'propaganda' on behalf of 'genocidal Muslims.' 'Tucker is controlled by Muslims. People need to wake up and stop pretending like this is a conspiracy theory,' she tweeted. 'Qatar and Iran are buying off conservative podcasters to push pro-Islamist, anti-American and anti-Israel talking points to undermine President Trump.' She also urged Bannon to 'correct the record for his viewers' and tell them Carlson was 'lying' about Qatar funding him, claiming that the Qataris had dished out $200,000 for Carlson's interview. 'Tucker is in fact being influenced by foreign money to spew propaganda for Islamists,' she added. 'This is un-American and dishonest.' The actual FARA document, however, shows that Lumen8 Advisors had not disbursed any money in connection with activity on behalf of Qatar over the past six months, something Neil patel – the CEO of Carlson's media company and longtime friend of the former Fox News star – pointed out this week while denying Loomer's accusations. 'Allegations that Tucker Carlson or Tucker Carlson Network took money from any foreign country for an interview or for any other reason are categorically and definitively false and defamatory,' Patel posted on X on Wednesday, which Carlson retweeted. 'Neither Tucker nor TCN has ever taken a penny from Qatar or any foreign country. To the contrary, TCN bought out all its investors last March to achieve total and absolute independence. Almost no other major media company can make that claim.' Patel followed that up by sharing a statement from Lumen8 Advisors that also denied that Carlson had received any compensation for his interview with the Qatari prime minister. 'Tucker Carlson, TCN, and its affiliates have never received payment from Lumen8Advisors, entities affiliated with it, or its client,' the statement noted. 'This is a lie. This contract and filing has nothing to do with us. Tucker and TCN have never accepted any foreign money, Qatari or otherwise,' Patel responded to Loomer's 'screenshot' tweet. 'None of this is even about the interview anyway, of course. It's about you not liking Tucker's views on a war that you want,' he added. 'That's your right, but it would be more honest if you addressed Tucker directly on the real topic.' Loomer, meanwhile, has continued to double and triple down on her claims, moving the goalposts by demanding that Carlson 'post all the receipts from the trip' for the interview. 'What type of consultant would ask Tucker Carlson to do an interview with the Prime Minister of Qatar and not pay for expenses or pay a fee?' Loomer wondered at one point. She has also turned her attention to Patel directly, noting that he once served as an adviser for former Vice President Dick Cheney while bringing up his ethnic background. 'How can they have any credibility to call Trump 'pro-war'?' Loomer raged. While Carlson and Patel appear to have moved on – Carlson did not respond to a request for comment – Loomer continues to try to make hay out of the Qatari interview, which has even resulted in her approvingly retweeting Levin congratulating her for a job 'well done.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'You're either feckless or complicit!' Hegseth refuses to say if Laura Loomer was consulted on General's firing
'You're either feckless or complicit!' Hegseth refuses to say if Laura Loomer was consulted on General's firingSource: Reuters
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
‘You're either feckless or complicit!' Hegseth refuses to say if Laura Loomer was consulted on General Haugh firing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was accused of being either 'feckless or complicit' for firing U.S. Cyber Command head Gen. Timothy Haugh at the urging of far-right activist Laura Loomer, a rabid supporter of Donald Trump who has the ear of the president. Haugh, an Air Force general, was removed from his dual role in charge of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency back in April. Loomer, a social media influencer, claimed credit for the dismissal because Haugh wasn't considered sufficiently loyal to Trump. Hegseth, appearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was asked by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) what, if any, part Loomer played in the decision to fire the general. The defense secretary evaded an answer, saying he does not discuss who he has spoken to about such decisions, before telling the senator her time was up. This provoked a furious response from Rosen, who fired back, 'It is not up to you to tell me when my time is up. 'You are either feckless or complicit. You're not in control of your department. I don't appreciate the smirk. Sir, you are the secretary of defense.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump mobile launched: Internet can't stop laughing at the wildest features
So guess what's new in the world of politics-meets-tech? Yep, it's not a meme—it's real. Donald Trump has launched a smartphone service, and it's called Trump Mobile. Because apparently, having social media platforms, a clothing line, a fleet of hotels, and the actual presidency just wasn't enough. Now, your phone can also scream 'MAKE CALLS GREAT AGAIN.' Trump Mobile officially launched in June 2025, and it's not just a network—it's a whole vibe. But here's where things get, well, very Trump. First, the price: $499 for the device and $47.45/month for service. Yep, that monthly price is not random—it's a wink to Trump being the 45th and 47th U.S. president. Subtle? Not really. On brand? 100%. Social media is already having a field day. Apparently, the phone autocorrects everything into all-caps. So if you text 'hi,' it sends 'HI.' If you write 'help,' it becomes 'HELP!' Which, let's be honest, feels very on-brand for Trump-era texting. You can almost hear the exclamation points screaming through the screen. There's also this wild theory that the phone's voice assistant sounds like Laura Loomer. Yes, Laura Loomer, the controversial far-right commentator is reportedly the voice behind Trump Mobile's 'Siri'—or as some are calling it, 'MAGA AI.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Is it real? Is it satire? No one knows yet, but the internet's having fun either way. And then there's the payment rumor: that you have to pay in cash. Not confirmed, but it's the kind of old-school, under-the-table charm that feels perfectly Trump-y. To be clear, the Trump Organization didn't design this phone from scratch. It's a licensing deal with a wireless provider—Trump slaps his name on it, and boom, it's a product. Whether people actually use it or just buy it for the novelty is another story. "My friend just bought a Trump Mobile phone. It only allows you to text in CAPS, the payment has to be made out to cash, the spell check misspells every word, and Siri is Laura Loomer." "Why and the hell would he call it Trump Mobile? Seriously!" "Trump Mobile is $47.45/month because he was the 45th and 47th president. Pricing it backwards to make an extra $2 is wicked lmao" Trump Mobile isn't just a phone—it's a political statement in your pocket. It's a bold mix of patriotism, branding, and a sprinkle of chaos. Will it disrupt the iPhone vs. Android war? Probably not. But will it go viral, fuel a thousand memes, and maybe even become a collector's item for the MAGA faithful? Absolutely.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
MAGA Warns of 'Jihadi Sleeper Cells' in US After Israel Strikes Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Several prominent Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, have posted online warnings about unverified, potential "jihadi sleeper cells" they claim could be activated in response to Israel's attacks on Iran. There is no evidence the American public is at risk. Newsweek has reached out to the FBI and the State Department for comment via email on Friday. Why It Matters Israel launched strikes across multiple locations in Iran on Thursday, announcing the start of Operation Rising Lion—an effort it said was aimed at preempting a reportedly planned Iranian attack and disrupting Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran's nuclear program has long been a focal point of U.S. and Israeli concern, with Tehran insisting its efforts are solely for energy purposes. "Sleeper cells" refer to covert terrorist operatives who remain inactive until activated—a concept that gained heightened attention following the September 11 attacks. In the aftermath, Islamophobia and xenophobia surged, with people from Iran and other countries in the region often stereotyped and wrongly associated with terrorism despite no evidence of wrongdoing or malicious activity. The MAGA movement, rooted in "America First" ideology, frequently raises alarm over immigration and national security. Alarmist information on social media often circulates quickly. A firefighter calls out his colleagues at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, on June 13, 2025. Inset: Conservative personality Laura Loomer outside the U.S. Capitol on June... A firefighter calls out his colleagues at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, on June 13, 2025. Inset: Conservative personality Laura Loomer outside the U.S. Capitol on June 12, 2025. More Tom Williams/AP Photo/Vahid Salemi What To Know Following Israeli air strikes on Iran that killed several top officials and struck a main uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, many MAGA voices have warned about potential repercussions stateside. Loomer, a conservative personality and supporter of President Donald Trump, warned Americans about going out in public, writing on X, formerly Twitter: "Be very careful today and this weekend in American cities and tourist locations, especially if you are going to be in DC." Her comments are in reference to the expected celebrations and protests in the capital on Saturday for President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and hundreds of "No Kings" demonstrations. Plans for the parade called for some 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles, and 50 helicopters to follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press. "Iran has many sleeper cells in the US," Loomer wrote. "Iranian proxies from HAMAS and Hezbollah will likely retaliate on US soil to kill Americans in acts of Islamic terror as a form of retaliation to the Israeli air strikes." There is no public evidence to back her claims. She concluded her post, without citing any data, by saying: "There are millions of jihadi sleeper cells in our country thanks to the Democrats open border polices." Charlie Kirk, the conservative founder and president of Turning Point USA, added a similar sentiment in a Friday post, writing: "Keep your head on a swivel. Biden let millions of people into America. Iran might activate some sleeper cells against Americans." He concluded his post by calling for Americans to prepare by taking up guns, writing: "Stay armed." The U.S. intelligence committee's annual threat assessment warns that "Iran also will continue to directly threaten U.S. persons globally and remains committed to its decade-long effort to develop surrogate networks inside the United States." However, unlike the social media warnings, the assessment said: "Iran seeks to target former and current U.S. officials it believes were involved in the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-Qods Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020." The United States designates Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. What People Are Saying Jack Posobiec, conservative activist, on X on Thursday night: "BREAKING: FBI REPORTEDLY MOBILIZING COUNTER-TERRORISM TASK FORCES ON ALERT STATUS FOR POTENTIAL IRAN SLEEPER CELL ACTIVITY" Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker who campaigns against DEI policies, on X on Friday: "There's a very real risk of Iranian sleeper cells attacking the US on our soil. I would avoid taking your family to large gatherings at the moment out of an abundance of caution until things settle down. Security must be increased all around." Graham Allen, who works at the Department of Defense, on X: "STAY HOME TOMORROW!!! Iran has sleeper cells everywhere! DO NOT GO TO "no kings day" PROTEST FOR CONTENT!! DO NOT GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY!" What Happens Next Thousands of attendees are expected to attend the military parade in Washington, D.C. Israel has said its strikes against Iran will continue for days. Iranian counterattacks are expected.
