Far-Right Influencer Laura Loomer Credited with Halting Gaza Visitor Visas

The U.S. State Department announced today that it has halted all visitor visas for people coming from Gaza for medical and humanitarian reasons. This pause is due to an ongoing “review of visa issuance procedures.” Far-right activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer took credit for the decision. She said her pressure campaign pointed out the national security risks of Gazan families coming to the U.S.

The visa suspension, shared on the department’s official X account, stops the temporary admission of Gazan patients and their companions until further notice. State Department spokespeople didn’t confirm Loomer’s role. They mentioned “routine security protocols.” Loomer, however, celebrated the policy change. She called it a win for her “America First” activism. Loomer claimed families arriving on humanitarian visas posed a threat to U.S. security.

Loomer’s Unofficial Power in the Trump Administration

Earlier today, Moneycontrol highlighted Loomer. She has no formal government role but acts as a key “loyalty enforcer” in President Trump’s circle in Washington. Loomer’s dossiers and public accusations have led to the removal or withdrawal of over a dozen senior national security and policy officials since Trump’s second inauguration.

• In June, she took credit for the State Department’s choice to pause Gazan visas. She called them “Islamic invaders.”
• In April, Trump reportedly let go of several national security aides. This came after a private meeting where Loomer brought up claims of disloyalty.

Critics warn that her power reveals a governance system focused more on personal charm and ideology than on formal methods. Some allies, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, have criticized Loomer’s rhetoric. But they also see her connection to the president.

Reactions and Next Steps

Humanitarian organizations helping patients in Gaza have condemned the visa suspension. They call it a cruel move that politicizes vital medical care. HEAL Palestine, a nonprofit that helps injured Gazans travel for medical care, criticized the decision. They called it “an attack on innocent families in desperate need” and promised to seek legal remedies. Congressional Democrats plan to call State Department officials for a briefing. They want to discuss the policy change and look for ways to stop future visa freezes caused by outside activists.

White House spokespeople have noted that the visa pause is only temporary. A full review of security vetting for humanitarian admissions should wrap up in two weeks. Laura Loomer will keep watching the department’s actions. If her calls for stricter controls go unmet, she plans to ramp up the pressure.