Laura Loomer Wields Outsized Influence in Trump Administration Firings, Frustrated Over Being Sidelined

Laura Loomer, the polarizing far-right activist known for her aggressive social media presence and unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, is claiming a growing role in shaping the personnel dynamics of the Trump administration — from the outside.

In a recent interview with CNN, Loomer openly took credit for the ousting of several high-ranking officials, including the nation’s top vaccine regulator, a senior national security lawyer, and a respected cybersecurity expert once slated for a position at West Point. Despite lacking any official title or government experience, Loomer’s influence appears to be cutting through — and she’s not shy about it.

But rather than celebrating her impact, Loomer expressed frustration that her unofficial role remains unsupported by the very administration she’s trying to protect. “If I have to do it on the outside because of internal resistance, then so be it,” she said in a phone interview, referencing her efforts to expose what she calls “disloyal operatives” working against Trump’s agenda.

Armed with a powerful online following — more than 1.7 million followers on X — and direct access to Trump himself via his personal phone, Loomer has become a self-styled “loyalty enforcer.” She publicly scrutinizes officials for signs of ideological deviation, past criticisms of Trump, or insufficient MAGA credentials. Her posts create pressure campaigns that some aides say are increasingly impossible to ignore.

“She’s a loose cannon,” said one senior Trump adviser, who acknowledged Loomer’s influence while also expressing concern about the disruption she causes. “But she has a following. It is what it is.”

Indeed, the former president himself appears to welcome her involvement. On Sunday, Trump praised Loomer publicly, calling her a “patriot” — a label that only emboldens her campaign to “clean house” inside the federal government.

Inside the “Loyalty Hunt”

Loomer’s critics argue that her methods — online harassment, public shaming, and hyper-partisan background checks — damage morale and hinder the administration’s ability to attract experienced professionals. But for Loomer, these actions are essential to ensuring that only Trump-loyal personnel remain in power.

Her latest targets include some of the highest-ranking members of Trump’s Cabinet. Attorney General Pam Bondi sits atop her public “blacklist.” Loomer has repeatedly called for her firing, accusing Bondi of failing to prosecute Trump’s political enemies. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is also in her crosshairs, with Loomer blaming her for Trump’s softened stance toward undocumented farm workers.

Health and Human Services, now under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is another department that Loomer is watching closely. Although Kennedy was brought in as a sign of Trump’s outreach to former Democrats and anti-vaccine activists, Loomer remains suspicious of his appointments and perceived moderation.

Notably, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — a longtime Trump ally and personal friend of Loomer — is the only senior official who has engaged with her concerns. “She recently spoke with Secretary Hegseth about her work identifying disloyal employees,” confirmed Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell. “He appreciates Laura Loomer’s outside advocacy.”

A Divisive but Rising Force

Loomer’s growing clout underscores a persistent tension within Trump’s third administration: loyalty vs. competence. Trump’s preference for loyalists has often collided with the reality that effective governance requires experience and professionalism. Loomer’s efforts tip that balance further toward loyalty, even at the cost of reputational and operational stability.

In response to mounting questions about her role, White House spokesperson Kush Desai avoided addressing Loomer directly but reaffirmed the administration’s goals. “It is not only appropriate, but critical for the Administration to recruit the most qualified and experienced staffers who are totally aligned with President Trump’s agenda to Make America Great Again,” Desai said in a statement to CNN.

Whether Loomer’s pressure campaigns continue to dictate personnel decisions remains to be seen. But her influence, coupled with Trump’s apparent tolerance — if not endorsement — of her tactics, is reshaping how political loyalty is enforced in Washington.

And for now, Laura Loomer is showing no signs of slowing down.