'Whitewashing Laura Loomer': AP interview sparks backlash on social media

The Associated Press is facing backlash after publishing an interview with Laura Loomer, the far-right activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, during her visit to Ukraine.

The article quickly drew criticism from journalists, commentators and social media users, many of whom accused the news agency of attempting to "whitewash" one of the US's most controversial figures.

Loomer has long been one of the most polarising figures in US conservative politics, having repeatedly drawn condemnation for anti-Muslim rhetoric, racist remarks and conspiracy theories.

Critics argued that the AP's focus on her recent comments about Ukraine risked overshadowing that record and portraying her as a more conventional political figure.

Read more: 'Whitewashing Laura Loomer': AP interview sparks backlash on social media