LAS VEGAS (AP) — Far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a loyal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, has accused Elon Musk, the owner of the X, of “totalitarian” behavior after her and other critics of Musk were stripped of their verification badges.
Loomer, who has more than 1 million followers, was among several users who were locked out of their X accounts and stripped of their verification badges after criticizing Musk’s comments on American workers and foreign H-1B visa holders. The accusations stem from a dispute over the use of H-1B visas, which allow foreign workers to work in the US, and the benefits they bring to the economy.
Loomer, who has publicly endorsed Trump’s hardline immigration policy, has been a vocal critic of Musk’s views on immigration issues. In a statement, she accused Musk of targeting her for questioning his ties to China and criticizing his support for the H-1B visa program.
Musk, who has been a strong supporter of Trump, has faced backlash from conservatives over his comments on American workers. He has been accused of being out of touch with the opinions of everyday Americans, and of prioritizing foreign workers over US workers. Musk has denied these allegations, saying that the idea that his comments are “totalitarian” or intended to suppress free speech is “ridiculous.”