Trump ally after visit to Ukraine: I was a victim of Russian propaganda

Laura Loomer, a prominent far-right activist and former journalist known for her controversial stances and conspiracy theories, has publicly distanced herself from Russian propaganda after visiting Ukraine. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Loomer admitted she had been under strong influence from Russian media and acknowledged that her earlier views were shaped by misinformation. She described her experience as being trapped in an “information balloon” manipulated by Russian state-controlled outlets on social networks. Loomer claimed that during her visit to Ukraine, she witnessed firsthand the consequences of Russian military actions, including photographs of slain priests and mass graves filled with bodies of Christian victims. She stated she intended to find evidence of the propaganda that had influenced her and would make public statements if such proof was lacking. Loomer’s shift in perspective came after months of increasingly sharp criticism of Russian officials. Previously, she had been one of the most vocal opponents of sending aid to Ukraine, often spreading Russian-aligned narratives about Ukrainian nationalism and alleged Nazi sympathies. In September 2025, she criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, calling him “a man who justifies jihadists.” She argued that Zelensky’s engagement with Islamic extremists was another reason to reject American support for Ukraine. However, following her recent trip, she stated she would not delete her past posts, but emphasized that she had come to see the situation differently. She claimed that it was not Ukraine or Zelensky who justified Nazism, but rather Russia and Vladimir Putin. Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of Russia Today (RT), responded to Loomer’s new statements, noting that she had previously written columns for the Russian channel. Loomer clarified that this occurred in 2021, but she had since changed her position due to Russia’s lack of positive contributions to America. Her evolving stance reflects a broader pattern of political realignment among some conservative figures in the United States, particularly those who have historically aligned with Russian interests. Loomer is best known for her association with Project Veritas, a conservative organization renowned for its undercover investigations. She gained national attention through provocative and sometimes extreme statements, especially regarding Islam, immigration, and political correctness. She has faced repeated censorship on major platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, PayPal, and Uber, which led her to describe herself as “the most censored person in America.” Despite these challenges, she remained a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and continued to promote conspiracy theories, including claims that Kamala Harris is not Black and that George Soros’s son called for Trump’s assassination. Her decision to visit Ukraine marks a notable departure from her previous positions. While she still holds strong anti-Islamic views, her recent statements suggest a growing awareness of the complexities of the conflict. By acknowledging the role of Russian propaganda in shaping her opinions, Loomer appears to be taking a more nuanced approach to the war in Ukraine. This shift could signal a broader change in how some right-wing figures engage with the issue, potentially influencing public discourse in the coming months. The implications of Loomer’s change in attitude remain unclear. As she continues to share her findings and experiences, her statements may spark further debate within both political and media circles. For now, however, her focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the narratives that once guided her.