Trump Ally Laura Loomer Criticizes DOJ Over Camp Lejeune Settlements

Laura Loomer, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, has publicly criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its approach to settling claims related to toxic water contamination at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina. Her outspoken stance has drawn questions from Trump administration sources regarding her involvement and her connection to the legal group representing a significant portion of the plaintiffs.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, passed in 2022, allows military personnel who served at the base between 1975 and 1985 and were exposed to contaminated water to seek compensation. Studies have indicated a significantly higher risk of certain cancers among those stationed at Camp Lejeune during that period compared to personnel at other bases.

Loomer has intensified her attacks on Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who oversees the settlement process for the DOJ. She has accused Woodward, a Trump appointee, of offering "insulting lowball offers" to victims and delaying the resolution of cases, potentially undermining Trump's desire to support veterans. Loomer suggested that Woodward's actions could provide political ammunition for Democrats.

"The Department of Justice and Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward approved 3,780 more settlements for $860 million more than previous administrations combined," a DOJ spokesperson told the Daily Mail. "We are in lock step with the White House and Department of War on protecting our veterans."

Sources close to the Trump administration have questioned Loomer's motives, suggesting she is aligning herself with lawyers seeking substantial fees rather than solely advocating for victims. "She makes it sound like she’s siding with the victims when in fact she’s siding with the lawyers that are trying to take money out of the victims' pockets," one source claimed.

Loomer has acknowledged a past working relationship with Ashley Keller, lead attorney for Keller Postman LLC, a law firm representing approximately 80,000 Camp Lejeune claimants. "I have not received any compensation from Keller with regards to this project but I have assisted Ashley Keller with previous projects," Loomer stated. "I’m friends with Ashley and have known Ashley for two years or so."

Keller Postman LLC reportedly sought to retain 40 percent of any settlement, a figure the DOJ has rejected, capping legal fees at half that amount. The firm has already secured approximately $94 million in settlements for about 350 clients, but the majority of cases remain pending as parties pursue a broader settlement.

Federal judges overseeing the Camp Lejeune litigation have cautioned against outside interference in settlement negotiations. In late September, court papers reminded attorneys that the Plaintiffs' Leadership Group is responsible for settlement efforts and that actions impeding these efforts could lead to sanctions.

Ed Bell, lead counsel for the plaintiffs' group, defended Woodward's efforts. "Everyone knows this is a very sad case, but to specifically target Stanley Woodward and blame him for the delay is simply just not true," Bell said. "He has done an extraordinary job in working with me and others to get this matter resolved."

The DOJ and plaintiffs' attorneys have until October 30 to establish a framework for resolving all outstanding lawsuits and claims.