The Escalating Feud Between Candace Owens and Laura Loomer
The ongoing conflict between podcaster Candace Owens and MAGA activist Laura Loomer has reached new heights, particularly after Owens announced she was taking a ‘family vacation’ to Russia. This move has sparked intense reactions from Loomer, who has been vocal in her criticism of Owens’ decision to attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Owens, 37, a former supporter of President Donald Trump, spoke on a panel at the event, which is often referred to as the Russian Davos. News of her trip provided new fuel for Loomer, who first revealed details about Owens’ participation and criticized her for associating with what she described as Russian state-funded media and propaganda figures.
Loomer, a self-described journalist and ally of President Trump, is known for her sharp personal attacks, incendiary anti-Islam and anti-immigrant posts, and investigations into individuals and groups she deems corrupt. In recent days, she has focused on Owens’ trip to Russia, posting harsh criticisms about Owens’ appearance and accusing her of collaborating with the United States’ enemies to undermine America through propaganda.
Loomer has even called for the Department of Homeland Security to detain Owens upon her return and urged Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate her family for potential ties to the Kremlin. Meanwhile, the State Department has warned Americans against traveling to Russia, citing concerns over terrorism, unrest, and the risk of wrongful detention.
In her latest attack, Loomer questioned the safety of Owens’ trip during the ongoing war with Ukraine, asking, “What kind of mom takes your child to a war zone?”
The Collapse of Friendship Into Public Feud
Owens responded to Loomer’s comments with a scathing personal attack, including unverified claims about her family, Jewish identity, and mental health. Some parts of her statement were not published by the Daily Mail. The statement included allegations that Loomer is mentally ill, has pretended to be Jewish for seven years, and is a former cocaine abuser.
Despite their current hostility, Owens and Loomer were once friends. They spent time together socially, including a trip to Israel in 2018 when Owens attended an event celebrating President Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
From Allies to Rivals
Owens met Loomer on a flight to an event sponsored by conservative activist David Horowitz in 2014. She recalled seeing Loomer crying after Twitter removed her verified checkmark. Owens said she was friendly with Loomer and felt sad for her. Loomer confirmed that Owens helped her with transportation after her wisdom teeth removal.
However, their relationship soured when Owens began distancing herself from her support for Trump. Loomer criticized Owens for touring Iowa with then-2024 Republican presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, viewing it as disloyal.
A Growing Political Divide
The feud escalated in early 2025 after Owens became critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military operations in the Middle East. Loomer, a staunch supporter of Israel, the war in Iran, and the military response in Gaza, turned on Owens and other figures who have condemned Israel.
Meanwhile, Owens has faced accusations of spreading conspiracy theories and antisemitic rhetoric on her social media and podcast. She parted ways with conservative outlet The Daily Wire over statements many condemned as antisemitic.
Denials and Accusations
Amid the latest criticism, Owens denied claims that she was paid by Russia to attend the summit. A spokesman for Owens told the Daily Mail that she was not paid and had no financial ties to Russia. Owens described her trip as a family vacation and expressed excitement about being able to spend time with her children in Russia.
Loomer, however, claimed she had flagged her concerns with the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department, stating that the White House was aware of her concerns.
Washington Watches the Feud Escalate
The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Insiders in Washington, DC, told the Daily Mail that the feud is impossible to ignore. One former White House official compared it to an “Alien versus Predator situation.”
While some in the Trump administration view Loomer as a useful but controversial figure, Owens has become a pariah due to her views opposing Israel and turning on Trump. Loomer has criticized Trump’s efforts to negotiate with Iran, arguing that the only way to deal with Islamic terrorism is to “slaughter them the way they slaughter all non-Muslims.”
A Continued Battle
Owens’ comments attacking Loomer further escalate the long-running public feud between the two influential political media figures. While Loomer remains a loyal supporter of Trump, Owens has criticized him, calling him a “coward” with “loyalty to no one but himself.”
Despite her changing views, Owens continues to enjoy significant influence, with millions of followers on X and YouTube. She has shared photos of her and her husband visiting the Kremlin, Russian churches, and a performance of the musical Cinderella at the Russian ballet.
Owens described Moscow as “an unbelievably beautiful city” and expressed a desire to return. She also praised Russia and her vacation, stating, “I really enjoyed this journey.”
