Things got very ugly very fast.
In a dramatic social media outburst on Thursday, conservative commentator and staunch Donald Trump supporter Laura Loomer took a sharp jab at South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who is also a Trump ally. Loomer’s provocative post on X (formerly Twitter) urged Graham to publicly address persistent rumors about his personal life. Graham has repeatedly denied these rumors, which have circulated for years.
Loomer’s comments were a direct reaction to Graham’s recent criticisms of Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. In a recent interview on Meet the Press, Graham suggested that Trump’s flamboyant style might hinder his chances in the 2024 presidential race. Graham advised Trump to concentrate more on policy issues and less on personal attacks, particularly in light of Trump’s escalating rhetoric against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Loomer seized the opportunity to criticize Graham’s loyalty to Trump and linked it to speculation about his sexuality. “Lindsey Graham has never been a true supporter of President Trump,” Loomer declared in her post, adding, “When is Lindsey coming out of the closet? We all know you’re gay, Lindsey… and that’s ok.” This provocative statement taps into a broader strategy employed by some right-wing figures, who often use personal allegations to undermine their political opponents.
Rumors about Graham’s sexuality are not new. In a 2010 interview with the New York Times, Graham humorously dismissed such speculation, joking that he wasn’t involved in any covert relationship. Despite his denials, the gossip has persisted, partly because Graham has never been married and has maintained a private personal life.
Loomer’s attack on Graham is part of her broader strategy of aligning with Trump and leveraging controversy to gain attention. This incident also follows her recent clash with fellow Trump ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, over a racially charged remark Loomer made about Kamala Harris, which Greene condemned as “appalling and extremely racist.”
In the midst of this controversy, Loomer has also faced backlash for her past conspiracy theories, including her claims about the 9/11 attacks. Her latest move against Graham continues her trend of using divisive tactics to provoke and engage her audience.
While Graham has kept his personal life private, his record on LGBTQ+ issues has added layers of complexity to the rumors surrounding him. His voting history against LGBTQ+ rights, including opposition to marriage equality and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, has fueled accusations of hypocrisy if the rumors about his sexuality were true.
