What They’re Saying: Rick Scott Slammed for Appearing with Racist Conspiracy Theorist Laura Loomer

Scott to Loomer: “Congratulations on All Your Success”

On October 29th, Rick Scott did an exclusive interview with Laura Loomer — a known racist and conspiracy theorist. Loomer’s greatest hits include calling 9/11 “an inside job,” suggesting the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol should be celebrated as a “national holiday,” and insinuating that the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 Floridians was a hoax. Loomer has also said Puerto Ricans shouldn’t serve as federal judges because they’re “not even from this country.” 

Despite her bigotry, Scott and Loomer’s decade-long relationship has culminated in Scott proudly accepting Loomer’s endorsement for Senate GOP Leader. 

See below for a roundup of coverage: 

Tampa Bay Times: Rick Scott appears on Laura Loomer’s podcast a week before Election Day

• Scott’s appearance was noteworthy both for its host and its timing. Loomer briefly became a talking point in the 2024 presidential race when former President Trump traveled with her to two events in September, including his debate against Kamala Harris. 

• At the time, critics — including conservative Republicans — questioned why Trump, the Republican nominee for president, would associate himself with Loomer, who has a history of inflammatory statements and bigoted rhetoric. (She once called herself a “proud Islamophobe.”)

• While Trump’s team saw Loomer as enough of a political liability to tell reporters she had no bearing on the campaign’s policy decisions or strategy, Scott spent one of the final nights before the election with her.

Media Matters: “Excited” Sen. Rick Scott campaigns on show of Puerto Rico-bashing extremist Laura Loomer

• Scott to Loomer: “I’ve gotten to meet wonderful people and work with wonderful people, and congratulations on all your success.”

• The bigoted remarks are part of a long pattern for Loomer. She has said that she’s “pro-white nationalism,” described herself as a “proud Islamophobe,” and promoted the conspiracy theory that “9/11 was an Inside Job!”

• He added: “I’m very appreciative. You know, I’ve been blessed. I’ve gotten to meet wonderful people and work with wonderful people, and congratulations on all your success.” 

• She added at the end of the interview: “The only way we are going to have a successful Trump administration and somebody who is actually going to impose a MAGA majority in the Senate is if Sen. Rick Scott becomes our next Senate GOP leader.” 

Raw Story: ‘Alex Jones Turn You Down?’ GOP Senator Trashed for Cozying up to ‘Toxic’ MAGA Influencer

• A Republican senator faced significant backlash Wednesday after he first disavowed racist jokes told at former President Donald Trump’s recent rally then promoted his on a podcast with a white nationalist.

• Loomer is the controversial MAGA activist who has spread conspiracy theories about the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, pronounced herself a “proud Islamophobe” and addressed white nationalists at a 2022 conference during which she declared she was a “white advocate,” reports show.