'Whitewashing Laura Loomer': AP interview sparks backlash on social media

'Whitewashing Laura Loomer': AP interview sparks backlash on social media Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 17:49 Critics say the Associated Press devoted too little attention to Laura Loomer's history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and conspiracy theories US far-right political activist Laura Loomer (front and left) during a visit to a DTEK electricity substation to meet energy workers and observe the country’s power infrastructure impacted by the war and Russian attacks in the Kyiv region, Ukraine, on 26 July 2026 (DTEK/AFP) Off The Associated Press is facing backlash after publishing an interview with Laura Loomer, the far-right activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, during her visit to Ukraine. The article quickly drew criticism from journalists, commentators and social media users, many of whom accused the news agency of attempting to "whitewash" one of the US's most controversial figures. Loomer has long been one of the most polarising figures in US conservative politics, having repeatedly drawn condemnation for anti-Muslim rhetoric, racist remarks and conspiracy theories.