A self-proclaimed journalist who has been floated as a potential press secretary if Donald Trump secures a second term was accused Friday of doxxing fellow Republican Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who gave a speech for Trump's rival also seeking the GOP's nomination for president in 2024.
Laura Loomer, a Trump-defending conservative who earned a shout out from the ex-president at his recent rally in Florida, has herself run for office in the past. Recently, Donald Trump Jr. said he'd like to see his father choose Loomer as an interim press secretary.
Now, however, she's attacking Trump's enemies, including Ron DeSantis-supporting Riley Gaines, the swimmer who is known for her views against allowing trans women to compete in any womens' sports.
In a Friday post labeled "EXCLUSIVE," Loomer said she confirmed that Gaines "was paid for her endorsement" of DeSantis' campaign. Loomer posted Federal Election Commission records that she said show that Gaines "was paid out" for endorsing the Florida governor.
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"Riley, you have had a long run, pretending to be a victim after you got beat by a man," Loomer said. "But, now you have turned your victim hood (sic) into deception and financial gain, and sadly, someone along the way hypnotized you into believing that you are a political expert."
Loomer also told Gaines to "stick to swimming."
Notably, the filing Loomer posted, which she said was publicly available, included Gaines' address.
Gaines responded, saying Loomer's "investigative skills" are lacking.
"I joined Desantis in South Carolina for an event earlier this year and was compensated for my time. That's how it works. Who's gonna tell her I was also offered a paid spot by Trump's team prior? Cry harder that you kiss his butt for free," Gaines wrote, adding that she will be "all in" on Trump if he wins the primary.
"Let it be remembered that Laura Loomer said girls and women's safety, privacy, and opportunities aren't that important. To her, being 'loyal' to a man who barely knows she exists takes precedent. And as for posting my address (even if it is public record) when it could've easily been blacked out, that's low even for someone with as little class as you," Gaines added.
After several conservatives came out against Loomer's actions, she deleted the offending post and replaced it with one that obscures Gaines' physical address. However, she denied doxxing.
"Posting publicly available FEC documents that are PUBLIC RECORDS and of public interest in a Presidential election year is not 'doxxing,'" Loomer wrote Friday. "The information is Public because it’s on the FEC website available for everyone to see. It’s a legal document in an election year. I reject all false accusations that I 'doxxed' Riley."
She added that she's doing her "job as a journalist."
