Additional Coverage:
- ‘I don’t like those comments’: Vance responds to Laura Loomer’s attack on Harris’ Indian heritage (nbcnews.com)
Senator JD Vance expressed his disapproval of far-right activist Laura Loomer’s comments about Vice President Kamala Harris during NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday. When asked about Loomer’s recent social media posts that suggested the White House would “smell like curry” and speeches would be facilitated by a call center if Harris won the presidency, Vance responded, “I don’t like those comments.”
Loomer’s remarks were widely condemned by both Republicans and Democrats. Vance emphasized to moderator Kristen Welker that discussions should be centered on policy and issues rather than such comments.
When questioned if the comments were offensive to him and his Indian American wife, Vance stated that he doesn’t “look at the internet for every single thing to get offended by.” He added that while he enjoys cooking chicken curry, he doesn’t find it offensive when people talk about their dietary preferences or plans for the White House.
Former President Donald Trump faced criticism for his association with Loomer, who accompanied him on the campaign trail, including 9/11 memorial services last week. Loomer has previously promoted conspiracy theories about 9/11 and suggested that pop star Taylor Swift’s relationship with football player Travis Kelce was orchestrated to benefit Democrats. She has also questioned the authenticity of mass shootings, claiming they might be staged to help Democrats.
When asked about Loomer’s conspiracy theories, Trump responded, “I don’t know that much about it. No, I don’t.”
He acknowledged her as a fan but said she doesn’t officially work for his campaign. On Truth Social, Trump distanced himself from her remarks but defended her as a longtime supporter tired of what he described as attacks from radical leftists.
On Sunday, Vance reiterated an unfounded conspiracy theory during a CNN interview about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, allegedly eating pets, insisting allegations were based on his constituents’ claims. He stated, “Clearly, these rumors are out there because constituents are seeing it with their own eyes,” while criticizing the media for dismissing his claims.
This debunked claim gained national attention after Trump mentioned it during a debate in Philadelphia, prompting fear among Haitian residents in Springfield. Despite broad condemnation and assurances from local officials including Springfield’s Mayor Rob Rue and Ohio’s GOP Governor Mike DeWine that there is no evidence to support these claims, Vance and Trump continued to assert the theory, causing concern in the community.
Vance posted on social media about increasing issues in Springfield and stressed, “Nothing justifies violence or the threat of violence levied against Springfield or its residents.” This assertion came as local leaders and the state governor reiterated that no truth exists behind the pet-eating allegations, emphasizing that such unfounded rumors likely originated from the internet.