Trump, Laura Loomer, and the very real dangers of courting the extremist vote

As an African American veteran who served in a military that values unity and diversity, I’ve seen firsthand the dangers of division. This is why Donald Trump’s continued association with far-right extremists like Laura Loomer is more than just political theater — it’s a dangerous precedent.

Loomer’s racist attack on Vice President Kamala Harris, mocking her Indian heritage, is just the latest in a troubling pattern. Trump’s refusal to condemn these actions isn’t just concerning; it’s a sign of how extremist rhetoric is creeping into the highest levels of leadership, threatening to further divide an already fractured nation.

Embracing individuals like Loomer, who openly espouse racism and Islamophobia, not only tarnishes the political discourse but undermines the very values our country and military are built upon. The military is one of the few institutions where Americans of all backgrounds come together in service of a common mission. We rely on each other, regardless of race or creed. It’s disheartening to see someone who aspires to the highest office of leadership embrace a divisive figure like Loomer, whose rhetoric stands in direct opposition to these values.

Trump’s pattern of courting extremists isn’t confined to isolated incidents like this. His promotion of the “birther” conspiracy, which aimed to delegitimize President Barack Obama, was an unmistakable dog whistle to his base, built on racist undertones. His “very fine people” comment following the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., further emboldened far-right extremist groups, signaling that he would tolerate — if not embrace — their presence in American politics.

What makes this dangerous is that extremist ideologies, once on the fringes of political discourse, are now being legitimized by mainstream figures. When leaders refuse to condemn or distance themselves from individuals like Loomer, it sends a message that hate and division are not just tolerated — they are part of the political strategy. And as history has shown, legitimizing extremist ideologies can have devastating consequences. Extremist rhetoric fuels resentment, encouraging acts of violence and discrimination against marginalized communities.

For veterans, this is not an abstract problem.

In a divided nation, leadership has the power to either unite or divide. The decisions and actions of those in power reverberate far beyond their immediate circles, influencing the behavior and attitudes of the broader public. When a leader, particularly a former president, refuses to stand up against hate, it emboldens others to act on their own prejudices. This has the potential to tear at the social fabric of our democracy, creating deeper divisions and encouraging violence and extremism.

Just think back to Trump’s infamous role in calling for the death penalty for the Central Park Five — five Black and Latino teenagers who were later exonerated — as an illustration of how he’s long exploited racial tensions for personal gain. Even after the teens were cleared by DNA evidence, Trump refused to apologize, signaling that racial justice and truth take a back seat to his political ambitions.

For veterans, this is not an abstract problem. Many of us have served in environments where extremism poses a direct threat to national security. When leaders tolerate racist and extremist ideologies at home, it weakens our ability to confront these threats abroad. The military thrives on unity and trust, and any effort to erode these values threatens the strength of our national defense.

As Election Day approaches, we are faced with a critical choice. Do we want to continue down a path where extremists are welcomed at the highest levels of leadership, or do we want to chart a new course toward unity, inclusivity, and progress? Vice President Kamala Harris represents a vision of America that values diversity, fairness, and equality — principles veterans like me fought to uphold.

Trump’s willingness to embrace and elevate figures like Loomer is a clear warning that his political strategy is rooted in division, not unity. This is not just about political preferences; it’s about the future of our democracy. America cannot afford to embrace the politics of hate, division, and extremism. We need leaders who will unite us in our shared mission to build a better future for all.

Malcolm Nance is a career intelligence community veteran, counterterrorism expert, and New York Times best-selling author. He is a retired senior chief petty officer in the United States Navy and a veteran of the Ukrainian Army International Legion. He was born and raised in Philadelphia.