WASHINGTON DC, USA – Far-right political activist Laura Loomer fired back at Bill Maher on Saturday after the comedian joked about her alleged “arranged relationship” with former President Donald Trump during a segment on his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher.
Loomer, a vocal Trump supporter, denied any intimate relationship with Trump, labelling Maher’s comments “a complete and blatant lie.”
The controversy began when Maher, in a comedic segment on Friday, September 12, 2024, night, referenced a conspiracy theory floated by Loomer, in which she claimed pop star Taylor Swift was in an “arranged relationship” with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to influence the 2024 election. Maher, playing off Loomer’s theory, quipped, “I think maybe Laura Loomer’s in an arranged relationship to affect the election because she’s very close to Trump.”
Swift, who recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, has been the subject of baseless Republican conspiracy theories regarding her relationship with Kelce, though no evidence supports these claims.
Loomer’s Response
In response to Maher’s remarks, Loomer took to X (formerly Twitter) early Saturday, threatening legal action.
“I should sue Bill Maher @billmaher for Defamation,” she wrote, denouncing his comments as “unacceptable” and “incredibly disrespectful to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.”
I can’t believe this is actually happening.
Bill Maher is flipping the script on @LauraLoomer, claiming she is in an “arranged relationship” with Donald Trump.
But then he took it even further, suggesting Loomer is doing you know what with Trump.
“She’s 31, looks like his type… pic.twitter.com/WvHlDmnqDE
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) September 14, 2024
Loomer further described Maher’s comments as part of a broader effort by mainstream media and left-wing figures to target her for her outspoken support of Trump.
“I have never in my life seen such a coordinated attack by the mainstream media, the White House, and leftist personalities to target a private citizen and investigative journalist simply because I flew on a plane and I support Donald Trump,” she wrote.
I should sue Bill Maher @billmaher for Defamation.
This is beyond the pale and it’s a complete and blatant lie.
I have never in my life seen such a coordinated attack by the mainstream
Media, the White House and leftist personalities to target a private citizen and… https://t.co/Nis17vPdPu— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 14, 2024
Racism Controversy
Loomer’s criticism of Maher follows a week in which she faced backlash for a racially charged attack on Kamala Harris regarding her Indian heritage.
Loomer had posted on social media that if Harris wins the election, “the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.”
Her comments drew widespread condemnation, including from Trump ally Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called Loomer’s remarks “appalling and extremely racist.”
White House Response
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also condemned Loomer’s association with Trump.
“No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement Friday.
When asked about Loomer’s support during a press event on Friday, Trump downplayed his relationship with her.
“I know she’s a big fan of the campaign, but I really don’t know. She brings a spirit to us that a lot of people have,” he said. “In all fairness to her, she hates seeing what’s happened to the country, I guess. So do I. It’s very sad.”
Maher’s Remarks
Maher’s joke also tapped into Trump’s history of relationships with younger women, referencing his second wife Marla Maples and his marriage to Melania Trump.
“She’s 31. Looks like his type,” Maher joked, referring to Loomer’s age and Trump’s past relationships.
The comedian also hinted that Trump, despite being married, has been involved with other women, continuing a long-running bit about Trump’s private life.
