After being ‘bamboozled by Russian propaganda,’ Laura Loomer says she’s all in for Ukraine

Key Points:

• Laura Loomer, a far-right Trump ally and former Ukraine critic, conducted a friendly 45-minute interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, where she admitted spreading falsehoods about Ukraine and expressed regret for amplifying Russian propaganda.
• The interview marks a surprising reversal in Loomer’s stance, with Zelensky praising Trump and expressing optimism about engaging with the MAGA base through Loomer’s influence; Trump endorsed the interview on Truth Social.
• Loomer’s visit to Ukraine was not coordinated with the White House, highlighting the unconventional dynamics within Trump’s foreign policy circle, as Zelensky prepares to meet Trump at the White House soon.
• Loomer distanced herself from previous accusations against Zelensky and Ukraine, praising new Ukrainian laws against antisemitism and meeting with prominent Ukrainian Jewish leaders during her trip.
• The shift has sparked skepticism among liberals and anti-Trump Republicans, while exposing divisions within the MAGA movement over US support for Ukraine, notably contrasting with figures like Tucker Carlson who continue to oppose aid to Ukraine.