Trump’s Meeting with Far-Right Activist Laura Loomer Triggers Firing of Several National Security Officials

At least three National Security Council (NSC) staff members have been fired after former President Donald Trump met with right-wing activist Laura Loomer in the Oval Office on Wednesday, a report by CNN stated. The three reportedly were fired after Loomer expressed concern about the loyalty of a number of officials at the NSC during her 30-minute sit-down with Trump.

Some of the officials who were fired are Brian Walsh, Intelligence Director; Thomas Boodry, past legislative director for Congressman Michael Waltz; and David Feith, past State Department official under Trump's first term.

While Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong was a chief target of Loomer's criticisms—whom she described as a "Never Trumper," according to reports—he himself has not yet been fired at present. One White House official did, however, indicate that Wong's role may still be on the line.

Several sources informed CNN that the dismissals were a direct consequence of Loomer's meeting with Trump, where she criticized the loyalty of some NSC members and shared with Trump what she referred to as her "findings." The meeting, which was not publicly announced in advance, has attracted attention following Loomer's checkered past, including previous promotion of conspiracy theories, such as asserting that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job.

The terminations seem to be part of a larger effort by Trump and his supporters to promote ideological allegiance among employees, particularly as he pursues his 2024 presidential bid. NSC spokesman Brian Hughes would not comment on personnel matters, and Loomer, in a statement, said she would not discuss the details of her Oval Office meeting out of "respect for President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office."

She said: "It was a privilege to sit down with President Trump and share with him my report… I will just keep repeating how crucial it is to have effective vetting, in the interests of safeguarding the President and our national security."

The affair has renewed argument about political loyalty tests within Trump's camp and their consequences for governance and national security if he is to make a return to the White House.