House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Monday escalated his criticism of right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer, labeling her a “stone-cold racist, pathological liar and nutjob” after she unleashed a torrent of racist abuse aimed at several prominent Black women in politics.
In a post on X, Jeffries condemned Loomer’s attack on Florida Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon, Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Cori Bush (D-Mo.), and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Loomer had written on Friday that these women are “all ghetto, entitled, race-obsessed, destructive black B----S who are completely unfit for the power they hold.”
Jeffries wrote: “We stand with Angie Nixon, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Rep. Pressley and those public servants she attacked. Every single Republican should denounce her vile behavior and end their relationship with this extremist immediately.”
The remarks come as Loomer, a far-right influencer who has frequently trafficked in conspiracy theories and inflammatory rhetoric, continues to enjoy proximity to former President Donald Trump’s orbit. Her latest tirade drew condemnation not only from Democrats but also from a notable Republican voice.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has herself faced criticism for past controversial statements, broke with the Trump-aligned camp on Sunday, denouncing Loomer’s comments as “nasty, hateful, racists comments” and declaring that “the Republican Party and President Trump owns Laura Loomer and her nonstop vitriol.” Greene added: “This is Trump’s new MAGA and Republican Party and I want nothing to do with it.”
Greene, who has previously clashed with Loomer, called the rhetoric “demeaning” and said it “should not be tolerated. Ever.” Her rebuke marks a rare instance of a high-profile Republican distancing herself from Loomer, though it remains unclear whether other GOP leaders will follow suit.
Jeffries’ forceful response underscores the broader political stakes. As Democrats seek to highlight what they characterize as the GOP’s embrace of extremism, the episode gives them fresh ammunition. The New York Democrat’s call for Republicans to sever ties with Loomer echoes earlier demands from progressive groups and civil rights advocates.
The controversy also arrives as Jeffries prepares to face the press as the House reconvenes for a shutdown showdown, with government funding talks dominating the agenda. His remarks on Loomer may further complicate bipartisan negotiations, as some Republicans seek to distance themselves from the controversy while others remain silent.
Loomer has a history of inflammatory statements, including previous attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar and other Muslim lawmakers. Her rhetoric has drawn rebukes from both parties in the past, but she has retained a following among some far-right activists and has been seen at events with Trump.
The White House has not commented on Loomer’s latest remarks, but the episode is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the Republican Party’s tolerance for hateful speech. Meanwhile, Greene’s break with the Trump camp over this issue highlights internal GOP tensions as the 2024 election cycle heats up.
Jeffries’ denunciation is part of a broader Democratic strategy to paint Republicans as beholden to extremists like Loomer, a theme that is likely to resonate in upcoming congressional races. The Florida Senate contest, where Angie Nixon is running, could become a focal point for these attacks.
As the political fallout continues, all eyes will be on Republican leaders, who have yet to issue a collective response. Jeffries’ demand for a clear break with Loomer may force a reckoning within the party.
