Here’s what is being said.
In recent days, a storm of controversy has emerged over Donald Trump’s debate performance, with some Republicans pointing fingers at Laura Loomer, a controversial rightwing figure known for her fringe theories. Loomer, who traveled with Trump to the Philadelphia debate on his private jet, has been highlighted as a potential influence behind Trump’s erratic statements. One such statement included a stunning claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.
During the debate, Trump asserted that immigrants were consuming pets, saying, “They are eating dogs, the individuals that came in, they are eating cats. They are eating pets, and this is what’s happening in our country, and it is shameful.”
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, also spread a similar claim and later defended his actions. The controversy surrounding Loomer’s influence has grown, with sources close to Trump’s campaign expressing serious concern. One anonymous campaign insider reportedly said they were “100%” worried about Loomer’s impact, suggesting that her presence might be undermining the campaign’s efforts.
Despite proposals earlier this year to give Loomer an official role, Trump’s team resisted, reflecting internal disagreements over her influence. Loomer, who has a history of promoting outlandish conspiracy theories—including one alleging that 9/11 was an “inside job”—recently made headlines again with a baseless accusation that Kamala Harris used hidden earphones during the debate.
The situation has sparked backlash from within the Republican ranks, notably from far-right Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene condemned Loomer’s racially insensitive comments about Harris, criticizing her as “racist” and stating that such views do not represent the values of Republicans or the MAGA movement.
As Trump continues to claim victory in the debate, despite widespread criticism, strategists are puzzled by his failure to heed preparatory advice focused on addressing Harris’s policies and record. Republican consultant Dennis Lennox argued that Trump’s poor performance stemmed from his disregard for strategic preparation, relying instead on a mix of media bubble thinking and questionable advice, including that from Loomer.
