A tribute post meant to honor one of America’s most decorated war heroes has turned into a heated political debate after right-wing activist and Trump adviser Laura Loomer criticized the U.S. Army for spotlighting him.
The post, shared by the Army on the 13th anniversary of Florent Groberg’s heroic act in Afghanistan, was meant to commemorate the day he risked his life to save fellow soldiers. B
ut Loomer argued the Army should have chosen a “U.S.-born” recipient who was politically aligned with Republicans instead.
The Hero at the Center of the Storm
Florent Groberg’s story is one of extraordinary courage.
On August 8, 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, the French-born Army captain tackled a suicide bomber who was approaching his unit.
His actions pushed the bomber back, limiting the blast and saving countless lives, though four men—Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, Army Maj.
Thomas E. Kennedy, Air Force Maj. Walter D. Gray, and Foreign Service officer Ragaei Abdelfattah—were killed.
Groberg suffered catastrophic injuries, including losing half of his lower calf, permanent hearing loss in one ear, and a traumatic brain injury. His bravery earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award.
Loomer’s Criticism Targets Army Leadership
In a lengthy post on X, Loomer accused Army Secretary Dan Driscoll of “promoting anti-Trump leftists” and questioned why Groberg was chosen for the tribute.
She described him as “an immigrant who voted for Hillary Clinton and spoke at the DNC as Obama’s guest,” implying the Army had a political agenda.
“Are we supposed to believe the Army couldn’t find a Republican and U.S.-born soldier?” she asked, pointing to previous instances where Driscoll had publicly acknowledged figures she viewed as anti-Trump.
Army Pushes Back
An Army official, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, called Loomer’s remarks “despicable” and stressed that Groberg is a “national hero” being honored as part of the Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
“The Army is not going to check the political affiliation of our soldiers before we recognize them,” the official said.
“A man or woman serving is not a Democrat or Republican—they are an American.”
Groberg Responds with Focus on Sacrifice
Rather than engage in a political spat, Groberg responded by remembering the men who died that day.
“Thirteen years ago today is my Alive Day, the day I nearly lost my life, and four of my brothers never came home,” he wrote.
He clarified that his brief 2016 speech at the Democratic National Convention was not about politics but about “service and sacrifice.”
In fact, Groberg has previously identified as a Republican, telling The Washington Post in 2016 that he spoke at the DNC as a veteran and immigrant, not as a partisan figure.
Loomer Stands by Her Claims
Loomer told The Post she stands by her criticism, insisting it’s important for the Army secretary “not to push out Democratic propaganda.”
She also cited two other cases where the Army recognized or appointed people she considered anti-Trump, including retired officer and Biden official Jennifer Easterly—whose West Point appointment was later withdrawn after backlash.
Former Trump Officials Defend Groberg
Several former Trump administration officials have stepped in to defend Groberg and the Army’s nonpartisan role.
Former acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller called Loomer’s comments “an abomination,” reminding that in the military “our oath was to the Constitution, not any political party or person.”
Robert Wilkie, who served as Veterans Affairs secretary, added that the Medal of Honor “knows no political affiliation” and that anyone who earns it—regardless of their beliefs or birthplace—deserves the respect of all Americans.
