Far-right activist Laura Loomer is yet again sparking controversy by publicly criticizing Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg, a U.S. Army veteran who was honored for his heroic actions during a 2012 suicide bombing in Afghanistan. Loomer, an unofficial adviser to President Trump, questioned Groberg’s suitability for recognition by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, citing his status as a legal immigrant and a 2016 Democratic National Convention speech, despite Groberg’s nonpartisan message emphasizing service and sacrifice. Her remarks have drawn widespread backlash from military veterans and Trump-era officials, who emphasize the apolitical nature of military honors.
Groberg responded by reaffirming his lifelong dedication to service, regardless of politics. He clarified that his speech was nonpartisan and focused on sacrifice. Critics labeled Loomer’s attack as divisive and disrespectful. Army leaders and veterans, including former Trump Defense officials, defended Groberg’s honor and stressed the military’s nonpartisan values.
Loomer also criticized Groberg on the anniversary of his Aug. 8, 2012, intervention in a suicide bombing — when he heroically acted to save lives.
Four service members made the ultimate sacrifice during the attack:
- Command Sergeant Major Kevin J. Griffin, U.S. Army
- Major Thomas E. Kennedy, U.S. Army
- Major Walter D. Gray, U.S. Air Force
- Ragaei Abdelfattah, Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Had Groberg not sprinted toward the suicide bomber and pushed him back, many more people would have died, according to the Army. His citation notes that “Groberg sustained multiple injuries in the attack, including the loss of 50 percent of his lower calf, going deaf in his left ear, and a significant traumatic brain injury.”
He has consistently honored the memory of those who did not survive when reflecting on the actions that earned him the Medal of Honor.
The Daily Mail has additional details:
Loomer penned a long post on X criticizing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for recognizing the brave sacrifice of Florent Groberg, who tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.
A Friday post from the US Army was sent out on the 13-year anniversary of Groberg’s selfless act, which left him with catastrophic injuries and a Medal of Honor.
An Army official spoke anonymously to The Washington Post and called Loomer’s attack ‘despicable’.
The official also called French-born Groberg a ‘national hero’ who is among many soldiers the Army plans to spotlight this year as the institution turns 250 years old.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate over the intersection of politics and military honors, with most observers calling for the preservation of the military’s nonpartisan ethos.
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I like Laura Loomer’s tenacity as a reporter. I believe she’s wrong on this one.
Plenty of loose cannons on all sides. Our heroes deserve all respect, regardless of political views.
Why do we have an advisor being so callous this kind of behavior hurt the MAGA MOVEMENT.
This whole brouhaha really has to come under the heading of: Who gives a S**t. And I didn’t see any reference to show Loomer made any comments about Capt. Groberg’s citizen statis what-so-ever. Again, who cares!!
Stupidity knows no bounds. You can’t critizicize anyone who sacrifices their own safety and jumps into a bad situation to save other peoples’ lives. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is or which political party you happen to favor. There are very few heroes’ in our world and they should be applauded instead of demonized. I don’t undersand where Laura Loomer gets off criticizing such a special human being. I’d certainly want him on my team should the need arise.