Trump cultist Laura Loomer was recently granted credentials to the Pentagon press corps and posted a photo of herself at a desk previously used by a legitimate journalist.
The Desk: Loomer posted a photo on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) claiming she had taken over the desk that belonged to The Washington Post’s military affairs reporter, Dan Lamothe. Lamothe confirmed he had vacated that specific desk in March, well before the recent events, and noted that Loomer does not live in Washington D.C., implying the desk will sit empty much of the time.
The Context: Dozens of media outlets, including major news organizations like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, surrendered their Pentagon press passes in late 2025 in protest of a new press policy that prohibited them from seeking information not provided directly by the government.
The New Press Corps: Following the walkout, the Defense Department credentialed a new cohort of largely right-wing media figures and outlets, including Loomer, former Representative Matt Gaetz, the Gateway Pundit, and OAN. Most, like Loomer, are not real journalists.
Loomer has also previously used her influence to successfully lobby the Trump administration to fire government officials she deemed disloyal, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “getting Loomered.
Laura Loomer has a history of two involuntary mental health commitments under Florida’s Baker Act, which occurred when she was 16 and 18. These commitments were reportedly initiated by her father due to suicide risks and emotional instability.
Federal Law Prohibition: As a result of these commitments, Loomer is prohibited from owning or carrying firearms under federal law 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(4), which bars individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution.
FBI Records: An FBI letter from 2020 and subsequent records confirm her ineligibility for a firearm permit based on these past mental health adjudications.
Diagnoses: Public reports, including statements attributed to her father, mention diagnoses such as bipolar disorder and personality disorders.
Self-Reported Issues: Loomer has publicly admitted to experiencing severe anxiety, depression, and a 2019 incident where she attempted to drive her car off a cliff.