Loomer clashes with US justice department over Camp Lejeune payouts

Laura Loomer has attacked the US Justice Department over its proposed compensation for people harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, while administration officials question whether her campaigning serves victims or the lawyers representing them. The dispute matters because a large number of former service members and others are seeking payments from the government, and legal fees could affect how much claimants receive.

Congress authorised Camp Lejeune claims in 2022 after studies found personnel stationed there from 1975 to 1985 faced at least a 20 per cent higher risk of several cancers. Keller Postman represents about 80,000 of roughly 400,000 people seeking compensation and had sought 40 per cent of settlements in legal fees; the DOJ capped fees at half that level. The department says it approved 3,780 additional settlements worth $860 million, while Loomer says she is not being paid by the firm but is friends with its lead lawyer and has worked with him on previous projects.