If Laura Loomer has or ever had a sexual relationship with President Donald Trump, it has not been proven. What has been determined is that it's okay to make jokes speculating about the possibility.
On April 22, 2026, Middle District of Florida (Ocala) Federal Judge James S. Moody Jr. granted summary judgment to comedian Bill Maher and Home Box Office, Inc (HBO), dismissing her defamation suit over Maher's comments during his "Real Time With Bill Maher" show that speculated on whether Loomer was sleeping with President Trump. Judge Moody ruled that Loomer's defamation claim failed to show actual malice, false statement of fact, or damages suffered by the Trump ally. Simply put, the judge determined that a reasonable person would be able to understand that Maher was making a joke.
The case had already drawn the legal world's attention through the antics of the opposing attorneys. During depositions, which veered into right-wing conspiracy theories, Maher felt prompted to ask, "Is this the way the law works?" Both lawyers were ordered to pen apology letters to the judge over their conduct. For Loomer attorney Larry Klayman, it went further; he was given a two-year suspension from practicing law in Florida by the state's Supreme Court.
Has Anyone Checked the Courthouse's Doors?
A proud and vocal member of MAGA, Loomer made a name for herself as an election denier and far-right conspiracy theorist. Her X account has over 1.5 million followers, while her podcast boasts 80,000 subscribers. A self-professed "Islamophobe" and "Pro-White Nationalist," Loomer often attempts to draw attention through stunts like chaining herself to the front door of the Twitter offices or interrupting a production of Shakespeare in the Park. She's also twice unsuccessfully run for a congressional seat.
While she holds no official position in the second Trump administration, she's favored by the president for her loyalty and exerts some influence over the White House. Her vocal disapproval of certain federal employees is believed to have led to their dismissal. Previous to this, her proximity to Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign prompted Maher's comments.
With 42 Emmy nominations across his career, Maher's late-night show has been on HBO for 23 years. The stand-up comedian is critical of members of both political parties, but his September 13, 2024, comments led to him being named as a defendant in Loomer's defamation lawsuit. While musing about who President Trump might be having sex with instead of his wife, Melania Trump, Maher suggested that, given their apparently close relationship, it might be Loomer. The joking at Loomer's expense continued during the following week's show, which included a segment titled, "24 Things You Didn't Know About Laura Loomer." Loomer filed suit soon after, seeking $150 million in damages.
The Punchline? Case Dismissed.
Loomer's failure to hold Maher accountable for his jokes serves as yet another reminder of how difficult it can be for a public figure to successfully bring a defamation case. Judge Moody ruled that Maher's comments were obviously jokes and protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Maher was far from the only person using the closeness between Loomer and President Trump as a source of speculation and humor at the time.
Judge Moody also noted that Loomer and her counsel failed to provide proof of any injuries she suffered due to Maher's jibes. Instead of providing documentation showing an adverse effect on her finances after the episode, Loomer testified during her deposition that her income actually increased after Maher's jokes. Neither she nor Klayman presented a single person who said they believed she was sleeping with President Trump based on what Maher said, nor did they bring in an expert witness to quantify how the speculation negatively affected her. This included her appearances in President Trump's company, which did not decline.
Loomer can appeal the decision. She's definitely going to need a different lawyer, though. Klayman, who is the founder of Judicial Watch, had a motion to stay his suspension order denied by a U.S. District Judge in late February 2026. His law license was already suspended in the District of Columbia.
Related Resources
- New Jersey Supreme Court Creates an Attorney Readmission Board (FindLaw's Practice of Law)
- Defamation, Libel, and Slander (FindLaw's Torts and Personal Injury Law)
- What Does It Really Take To Get Disbarred? (FindLaw's Practice of Law)
