An analysis by the Daily Beast found that at least 16 people have been ousted following Loomer’s interventions. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to the Daily Beast that Hegseth and Loomer had spoken, adding that the defense secretary “appreciates Laura Loomer’s outside advocacy.”

Laura Loomer, the controversial far-right activist with a direct line to President Donald Trump, has taken credit for a slew of recent high-profile administration firings. CNN’s Steve Contorno spoke with Loomer about her campaign to root out government employees she says aren’t loyal to Trump.