Did the FBI deny Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts, as Loomer claimed?
Laura Loomer claimed an FBI source said Zohran Mamdani was denied a security clearance over possible terrorist contacts. Mamdani later announced he had his clearance, and Loomer repeated her allegations. What does the public record establish?
Claim in dispute
The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
In a July 21 post (opens in a new tab), Laura Loomer attributed the alleged denial to an unnamed senior FBI source. The account she quoted connected the supposed refusal to possible communication with terrorist organizations and predicted that Mamdani would not receive a clearance.
At a September 30 press conference (opens in a new tab), Mamdani confirmed that he had his security clearance. That announcement contradicts the prediction that he would not receive one. It does not establish whether an earlier denial occurred or why his application took months.
Loomer responded (opens in a new tab) by questioning the approval and saying the FBI had previously told her it had evidence of ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Neither of her posts includes an FBI decision or evidence of terrorist contacts. The dispute concerns her clearance allegation and its claimed basis.
Related: [Should Republican leaders condemn Loomer's call to raid mosques with military force?](/cases/laura-loomer-military-mosque-raids-republican-condemnation) covers her separate advocacy and the response to it.
People in this case
Laura LoomerDirectly involved
Zohran MamdaniDirectly involved
Nancy MaceCommented
Timeline
5 timeline entries on this page. Dates: November 21, 2025 to September 30, 2026
November 2025
1 event
House Republicans urge DHS to deny Mamdani a security clearance
Rep. Andy Biggs and seven other House Republicans wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging the department to deny then mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani a federal security clearance, citing his activism and past statements. The letter predates Loomer's July 2026 allegation.
[01]Congressman Biggs: DHS must deny Zohran Mamdani a security clearance
Source excerpt
Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) led a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging her department to deny New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani a federal security clearance.
Press release on a letter from Biggs and seven other House Republicans. It lists Mamdani's activism and statements as grounds for denial. It predates Loomer's July 2026 allegation.
Congressman Biggs: DHS must deny Zohran Mamdani a security clearance · Andy BiggsPress release announcing the letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
242 days between recorded events
July 2026
1 event
Loomer alleges that the FBI denied Mamdani a security clearance
Claim
In a post published July 21 in New York time, Loomer cited an unnamed FBI source to allege that possible terrorist contacts had led to a clearance denial and that Mamdani would not receive one.
[02]Laura Loomer alleges an FBI refusal of Mamdani's security clearance
Loomer attributes the clearance allegation to an unnamed senior FBI source. The post quotes Mamdani's criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu and alleges possible communication with terrorist organizations. It includes no FBI decision or supporting documents. The post was published July 21 in New York time.
Laura Loomer alleges an FBI refusal of Mamdani's security clearance · Laura LoomerX post 2079760698897264658
55 days between recorded events
September 2026
3 events
City Hall says Mamdani's clearance process is ongoing
Source release
Gothamist reported that Mamdani was still awaiting a federal security clearance eight months into his term. City Hall spokesperson Sam Raskin said the process was ongoing and proceeding within the prevailing timeline. The FBI did not respond to Gothamist's request for comment.
[03]Mayor Mamdani still waiting on federal security clearance 8 months into office
Source excerpt
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment. … “The process of obtaining the mayor’s federal security clearance is ongoing and proceeding within the currently prevailing timeline for one," City Hall spokesperson Sam Raskin said.
Gothamist report on the length of Mamdani's clearance wait, with comments from former officials, the November 2025 Republican letter and a City Hall statement that the process was ongoing.
Mayor Mamdani still waiting on federal security clearance 8 months into officeStatement from City Hall spokesperson Sam Raskin; FBI comment requestMamdani announces that he has his security clearance
Asked for an update at the Nostrand Houses press conference, Mamdani confirmed that he had his security clearance. The official transcript does not give the decision date or address the basis of Loomer's earlier allegation.
[04]Mamdani confirms his security clearance at the September 30 press conference
The official transcript records Mamdani confirming that he has his security clearance. The exchange takes place during questions after the announcement about modernization at Nostrand Houses. It does not give the clearance decision date or address Loomer's alleged FBI source.
Mamdani confirms his security clearance at the September 30 press conferenceReporter question about the mayor's security clearance; Mamdani's answer after the pied-a-terre tax responseLoomer questions the approval and repeats allegations about terrorist ties
Reaction
Loomer asked Kash Patel about Mamdani's clearance and repeated her allegation that the FBI had previously told her it had evidence of ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
[05]Laura Loomer questions Mamdani's clearance and repeats allegations about terrorist ties
Loomer tags Kash Patel and asks about Mamdani's clearance. She says the FBI told her the previous year that it had evidence of ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Those remain Loomer's allegations; the post supplies no underlying FBI evidence.
Laura Loomer questions Mamdani's clearance and repeats allegations about terrorist ties · Laura LoomerX post 2105369010267181264
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Sources (1)
- Laura Loomer alleges an FBI refusal of Mamdani's security clearance · Laura LoomerX post 2079760698897264658
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 9. Dates: July 21, 2026 to October 1, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
10 responses on this page
RAIR Foundation USAActivist and investigative news organization, in an article by Terresa Monroe-Hamilton "It’s unthinkable that such a stone-cold national security threat would be given access to classified intel when he has deep doumented terrorist ties and has deeper allegiances with our enemies than America herself."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did the FBI deny Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts, as Loomer claimed?
Read more
After Mamdani announced his clearance, RAIR Foundation USA published an article saying he had documented terrorist ties and that the clearance should have been denied.
Before the statement
The article opened by reporting that Mamdani had received his federal security clearance that week.
After the statement
It called the decision suicidal insanity and later argued under a heading that the clearance should have been denied.
INSANITY: National Security Threat Muslim Communist Zohran Mamdani Receives Federal Security Clearance · RAIR Foundation USAArticle standfirst and section "A Security Clearance that Should Have Been Denied"Why this label?
The reference point is Loomer's allegation that the FBI denied Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts. The article does not address whether a denial occurred and cites a GAO finding that the delay was normal; it asserts terrorist ties as the reason the clearance should have been refused. That supports the basis Loomer gave for her claim. Challenged the characterization does not fit because the article disputes nothing in her account. Evidence: the organization's own article.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Laura LoomerPolitical activist and host of Loomer UnleashedDirectly involved"Did you really sign off on this"
Defended or excusedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
Loomer questioned Mamdani's clearance approval and repeated her allegation that the FBI had told her it had evidence of terrorist ties. She asked Kash Patel to comment.
Before the statement
Mamdani had announced that he received his security clearance. Loomer quoted her own post about the announcement and tagged Kash Patel.
After the statement
Loomer repeated allegations about Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood and objected to the approval. She supplied no FBI documents in the post.
Laura Loomer questions Mamdani's clearance and repeats allegations about terrorist ties · Laura LoomerX post 2105369010267181264Why this label?
Loomer continues to argue that her allegation has an FBI basis after Mamdani's announcement. Her criticism of the approval supports her earlier allegation rather than rejecting it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Laura LoomerPolitical activist and host of Loomer Unleashed, posting on XDirectly involved
"Mamdani can’t pass a background check for a federal security clearance like most mayors of major US cities because the FBI knows Mamdani has ties to Islamic terrorists."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
On the night of Mamdani's meeting with President Trump, Loomer posted that Mamdani could not pass a clearance background check because the FBI knew he had ties to Islamic terrorists, and that this was why he lacked a clearance.
Before the statement
Loomer posted a series of criticisms of Mamdani and of his meeting with President Trump earlier that day.
After the statement
She added, "That's why he doesn't have a clearance. So what are we doing?"
Laura Loomer says Mamdani cannot pass a clearance background check · Laura LoomerX post 2102222137754837237Why this label?
The reference point is Loomer's allegation that the FBI denied Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts. Here she restates the allegation and its basis as fact, which defends her July claim. Challenged the characterization does not fit because she disputes nothing; she affirms the claim. This is a separate post from her September 15 and September 30 statements. Evidence: her own post.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Emzari GelashviliNational-security analyst and opinion columnist "No one has confirmed it."
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Did the FBI deny Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts, as Loomer claimed?
Read more
Gelashvili said no one had confirmed Loomer's claim that the FBI denied Mamdani a clearance. He argued for a decision under the usual security guidelines rather than political shortcuts.
Before the statement
His column contrasted Republican demands to deny Mamdani a clearance with Loomer's assertion that a denial had already occurred.
After the statement
Gelashvili argued that delays alone prove little and called for scrutiny of relevant foreign contacts without guilt by association.
Gelashvili treats Loomer's clearance-denial claim as unconfirmed - sourceSeptember 18, 2026 column, paragraph beginning 'The debate has produced two shortcuts' and following paragraphsWhy this label?
The reference point is the alleged FBI denial over terrorist contacts. Gelashvili challenges the certainty of that characterization rather than asserting that no denial occurred.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Laura LoomerPolitical activist and host of Loomer Unleashed, posting on XDirectly involved
"I’m thrilled @ZohranKMamdani still doesn’t have a federal security clearance. I’m glad the administration has blocked him."
Defended or excusedCase context: Did the FBI deny Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts, as Loomer claimed?
Read more
Loomer said she had sent material to the FBI and White House in 2025 seeking to prevent Mamdani from receiving a clearance. She welcomed what she described as the administration blocking him.
Before the statement
Loomer said she had gathered material before Mamdani's inauguration to argue against granting him a clearance.
After the statement
She described him as a jihadist and quoted her November 2025 post about his meeting with Colombia's president.
Laura Loomer welcomes the alleged blocking of Mamdani's security clearanceX post 2099685337886777495, main post above the quoted November 2025 postWhy this label?
She approves the withholding she alleges and continues to defend the basis of her clearance accusation. Her approval supports Defended or excused rather than a description challenge.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
John GuandoloSecurity consultant and former FBI agent, commenting in a personal capacity "Mamdani is a jihadi. Of course he is talking to terrorists."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
John Guandolo endorses the terrorist-contact allegation in a reply to Loomer's clearance post. He calls Mamdani a jihadi, asserts that he is talking to terrorists and criticizes the FBI's response.
Before the statement
Loomer's post attributes the alleged clearance refusal and concern about terrorist contacts to an unnamed senior FBI source.
After the statement
Guandolo also alleges that a hostile foreign power is directing Mamdani and criticizes the U.S. government.
John Guandolo backs the terrorist-contact allegation about Mamdani · John GuandoloX post 2080126877562265624; reply to Laura Loomer post 2079760698897264658Why this label?
Guandolo directly supports the terrorist-contact premise of Loomer's allegation. His former FBI employment does not make this post a statement by the bureau or evidence of its clearance decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
Nancy MaceU.S. representative from South Carolina, commenting on her personal X account"Then why the hell is he still here?"
Defended or excusedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
Nancy Mace responds to Loomer's allegation about Mamdani's clearance and possible terrorist contacts by asking why he is still here. Her question accepts Loomer's national-security concern as a reason to challenge Mamdani's continued presence.
Before the statement
Loomer alleges that an unnamed FBI source told her Mamdani was a national security risk because of possible terrorist contacts and had been denied a security clearance.
After the statement
Loomer replies the next day that this is what they all want to know.
Nancy Mace responds to Loomer's Mamdani clearance allegation · Nancy MaceX post 2079906896497025040; reply to Laura Loomer post 2079760698897264658Why this label?
Mace's reply treats the allegation as a basis for questioning Mamdani's continued presence, supporting rather than disputing Loomer's characterization. It is not an independent account of an FBI decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Shanmugapriya MurugesanMEAWW news writer specializing in fact-checking "The claim is false. The viral allegation relies entirely on an anonymous source and offers no supporting evidence or official confirmation."
DeniedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
Shanmugapriya Murugesan rejects Loomer's allegation that the FBI denied Mamdani a security clearance because he posed a national security risk. She cites the absence of supporting evidence or official confirmation.
Before the statement
Loomer attributes an alleged clearance refusal and concerns about terrorist contacts to an unnamed senior FBI source.
After the statement
Murugesan argues that Mamdani's application remains under review and that the FBI has not publicly announced the alleged denial.
Shanmugapriya Murugesan rejects Loomer's claim of an FBI clearance denialFact Check: False, no evidence to support the claim section; opening paragraphWhy this label?
The author explicitly rejects the factual allegation. Her conclusion is a denial of the asserted FBI decision, not a condemnation of Loomer's separate military-force proposal.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mike EnglemanConservative political commentator posting as RealHickory "Denaturalize and deport this terrorist! What are we doing?"
Defended or excusedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
Mike Engleman endorses Loomer's terrorist-threat characterization of Mamdani in a quote-post of her clearance allegation. He calls Mamdani a terrorist and demands his denaturalization and deportation.
Before the statement
Engleman quotes Loomer's allegation that an unnamed senior FBI source described Mamdani as a national security risk and said his clearance had been denied.
After the statement
His post asks what authorities are doing and calls for Mamdani's denaturalization and deportation.
Mike Engleman calls for Mamdani's removal while quoting Loomer's FBI allegation · Mike EnglemanX post 2079859500912087256; quote-post of Laura Loomer post 2079760698897264658Why this label?
Engleman's demand for removal accepts the terrorist-threat premise of Loomer's quoted allegation. The post supplies no independent account of an FBI clearance decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lattina BrownNew York political commentator and activist, posting in a personal capacity "I already knew this about Mamdani. I called it for a year now."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The FBI denied Zohran Mamdani a security clearance because of possible direct communication with terrorist organizations and would not grant him one.
Read more
Lattina Brown endorses Loomer's clearance allegation, saying she already knew this about Mamdani and had warned about him for a year. She says Mamdani should be on a domestic terrorist watchlist.
Before the statement
Brown quotes Loomer's post alleging that an FBI source described Mamdani as a national security risk and said his clearance had been denied.
After the statement
Brown also alleges that the NYPD placed her on a domestic terrorist watchlist for defending the Jewish community.
Lattina Brown endorses Loomer's allegation about Mamdani · Lattina BrownX post 2079766100804239508; quote-post of Laura Loomer post 2079760698897264658Why this label?
Brown accepts the allegation in the post she quotes and argues for treating Mamdani as a terrorist threat. This supports Loomer's characterization rather than independently confirming an FBI decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(14)
Original post
Laura Loomer alleges an FBI refusal of Mamdani's security clearance
About this source
Loomer attributes the clearance allegation to an unnamed senior FBI source. The post quotes Mamdani's criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu and alleges possible communication with terrorist organizations. It includes no FBI decision or supporting documents. The post was published July 21 in New York time.
- Author
- Laura Loomer
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Congressman Biggs: DHS must deny Zohran Mamdani a security clearance
Relevant passage: Press release announcing the letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
Excerpt
"Today, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) led a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging her department to deny New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani a federal security clearance."
About this source
Press release on a letter from Biggs and seven other House Republicans. It lists Mamdani's activism and statements as grounds for denial. It predates Loomer's July 2026 allegation.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Andy Biggs
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
INSANITY: National Security Threat Muslim Communist Zohran Mamdani Receives Federal Security Clearance
Relevant passage: Article standfirst and section "A Security Clearance that Should Have Been Denied"
Excerpt
"It’s unthinkable that such a stone-cold national security threat would be given access to classified intel when he has deep doumented terrorist ties and has deeper allegiances with our enemies than America herself."
About this source
Opinion article published by RAIR Foundation USA after Mamdani announced his clearance. It argues the clearance should have been denied and asserts terrorist ties. The same article was also posted to RAIR's Substack.
- Author
- Terresa Monroe-Hamilton
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Mayor Mamdani still waiting on federal security clearance 8 months into office
Relevant passage: Statement from City Hall spokesperson Sam Raskin; FBI comment request
Excerpt
"The FBI did not respond to a request for comment. … “The process of obtaining the mayor’s federal security clearance is ongoing and proceeding within the currently prevailing timeline for one," City Hall spokesperson Sam Raskin said."
About this source
Gothamist report on the length of Mamdani's clearance wait, with comments from former officials, the November 2025 Republican letter and a City Hall statement that the process was ongoing.
- Author
- Elizabeth Kim
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Laura Loomer says Mamdani cannot pass a clearance background check
Excerpt
"Mamdani can’t pass a background check for a federal security clearance like most mayors of major US cities because the FBI knows Mamdani has ties to Islamic terrorists. That’s why he doesn’t have a clearance. So what are we doing?"
About this source
One of a series of posts Loomer published on the evening of Mamdani's September 21 meeting with President Trump. The post asserts what the FBI knows; it cites no FBI decision or evidence.
- Author
- Laura Loomer
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Gelashvili treats Loomer's clearance-denial claim as unconfirmed - source
Relevant passage: September 18, 2026 column, paragraph beginning 'The debate has produced two shortcuts' and following paragraphs
About this source
His column contrasted Republican demands to deny Mamdani a clearance with Loomer's assertion that a denial had already occurred. Gelashvili argued that delays alone prove little and called for scrutiny of relevant foreign contacts without guilt by association.
- Author
- Emzari Gelashvili
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Laura Loomer welcomes the alleged blocking of Mamdani's security clearance
About this source
Loomer's public post approving what she describes as the administration blocking Mamdani's clearance. It provides no FBI decision. Mamdani later announced that he had received his clearance.
- Author
- Laura Loomer
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Mike Engleman calls for Mamdani's removal while quoting Loomer's FBI allegation
About this source
Engleman calls Mamdani a terrorist and demands denaturalization and deportation while quoting Loomer's allegation about an FBI clearance refusal and possible terrorist contacts.
- Author
- Mike Engleman
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Lattina Brown endorses Loomer's allegation about Mamdani
About this source
Brown says she already knew this about Mamdani while quoting Loomer's FBI clearance allegation. The post was published July 21 in New York time.
- Author
- Lattina Brown
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Shanmugapriya Murugesan rejects Loomer's claim of an FBI clearance denial
Relevant passage: Fact Check: False, no evidence to support the claim section; opening paragraph
About this source
Murugesan labels Loomer's allegation false, citing its anonymous sourcing and the absence of official confirmation. The article gives a July 22 publication date without a time.
- Author
- Shanmugapriya Murugesan
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
John Guandolo backs the terrorist-contact allegation about Mamdani
About this source
Replying to Loomer's clearance allegation, Guandolo calls Mamdani a jihadi and asserts that he communicates with terrorists. He criticizes the FBI and separately alleges that Mamdani is an operation run by a hostile foreign power. The post was published July 22 in New York time.
- Author
- John Guandolo
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Nancy Mace responds to Loomer's Mamdani clearance allegation
About this source
Mace asks why Mamdani is still here in a reply to Loomer's allegation that an FBI source described him as a national security risk and said his clearance had been denied. Loomer replies on July 23 that this is what they all want to know.
- Author
- Nancy Mace
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Laura Loomer questions Mamdani's clearance and repeats allegations about terrorist ties
About this source
Loomer tags Kash Patel and asks about Mamdani's clearance. She says the FBI told her the previous year that it had evidence of ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Those remain Loomer's allegations; the post supplies no underlying FBI evidence.
- Author
- Laura Loomer
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Mamdani confirms his security clearance at the September 30 press conference
Relevant passage: Reporter question about the mayor's security clearance; Mamdani's answer after the pied-a-terre tax response
About this source
The official transcript records Mamdani confirming that he has his security clearance. The exchange takes place during questions after the announcement about modernization at Nostrand Houses. It does not give the clearance decision date or address Loomer's alleged FBI source.
- Author
- New York City Mayor's Office
- Published
- Accessed
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Did the FBI deny Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts, as Loomer claimed?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/mamdani-fbi-security-clearance-laura-loomer-claim
The Dispute Index. "Did the FBI deny Mamdani a clearance over terrorist contacts, as Loomer claimed?". First published: 2026-07-21. Last updated: 2026-10-03. https://disputeindex.com/cases/mamdani-fbi-security-clearance-laura-loomer-claim