**Donald Trump Praises Laura Loomer as a “Free Spirit” During Press Conference**
Donald Trump held a press conference today at his golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, where he defended controversial figure Laura Loomer amidst media scrutiny. Standing against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Trump utilized this moment not just to rally votes ahead of the upcoming elections but also to criticize California’s governance, referring to the state as a “poorly run hellscape.”
“It’s disheartening to be here on my own property and witness how California has deteriorated,” Trump lamented, asserting that a presidential victory for him would herald solutions to the state’s myriad issues — from immigration and taxation to wildfires and water shortages. “You’ll have water like you’ve never imagined,” he declared, alluding to local officials over water management concerns in the area beset by landslide problems.
This press conference seemed strategically timed for Trump, who has recently faced backlash over his performance in a preceding debate, which some analysts claim he lost. Among the subjects of interest was his association with Loomer, known for her right-wing conspiracy theories, which has caused some Republican members, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, to express concern over her influence.
When asked directly about Loomer’s controversial remarks, including her derogatory comments related to Kamala Harris, Trump stated, “Laura is a supporter. I don’t control her; she does what she wishes. She’s a free spirit.” He further deflected a request to disavow Loomer’s past statements, claiming unfamiliarity with her comments, suggesting he might review them later.
During his opening remarks, which stretched for 40 minutes, Trump launched into what Fox News described as a “litany of horribles” directed at Vice President Harris. Mainstream networks like CNN and MSNBC chose to cut away from Trump’s opening plans, only to return when he began taking questions from reporters. The atmosphere was charged when he contested reports of his debate performance, insisting he had not “missed the mark,” and suggested, “You shouldn’t be playing the same game as everyone else” in reference to a Fox News reporter.
Furthermore, Trump reiterated his commitment to deportations, touting plans for “the largest deportation in history” and emphasizing the plight of specific cities impacted by migration, invoking Springfield and Aurora as examples. After unfounded claims about Haitian migrants made during the debate prompted backlash, Trump defended his stance by claiming the “real threat lies at our border,” where he painted a dire picture of carnage stemming from immigration.
While continuing to assert that he would have won California in earlier elections if not for alleged voter fraud, Trump acknowledged growing concerns about Haitian immigration following recent alarming events, hinting at an upcoming rally in Springfield amidst unfolding tensions.
After the press hit wrapped, Trump elaborated on his lack of support for Republican candidate Steve Garvey’s Senate campaign, noting, “I don’t know him. If he doesn’t reach out to MAGA, he has no chance.” With this statement underscoring the intertwining of his campaign strategies and loyalty to the MAGA base, Trump remains a polarizing figure on the political landscape as he moves forward in his 2024 electoral bid.
The press conference not only showcased Trump’s ongoing campaign but also highlighted the controversies that continue to trail his political journey.