Donald Trump has defended his ties with Laura Loomer, who has drawn fire from some of his Republican allies for embracing conspiracy theories and making racist comments, including against Democratic party’s presidential candidate Kamala Harris. “Laura has been a supporter of mine. Just like a lot of people are supporters, and she’s been a supporter of mine. She speaks very positively of the campaign,” Trump, the former President, said at a news conference in Southern California.

He was responding to a question from a reporter about his allies expressing concern about his close relationship with Loomer in recent days. “I don’t control Laura… she’s a free spirit… I can’t tell Laura what to do,” Trump said. “She is a strong person, she’s got strong opinions, and I don’t know what she said, but that’s not up to me,” he added.