Trump Ally Condemns Qatar’s New Idaho Air Force Base Facility

A key Donald Trump ally has publicly condemned the administration’s decision to allow Qatar to build a facility at an Idaho Air Force base. The announcement, made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has sparked significant backlash within the MAGA movement. The agreement was finalized at the Pentagon on Friday.

Conservative commentator Laura Loomer, a staunch Trump supporter, led the criticism. She called for a revolt against the plan, labeling the proposed facility a “Jihadi air base.”

MAGA Fury Erupts Over Qatar-Idaho Base Plans

Laura Loomer voiced her strong opposition on social media platform X. She directly urged the people of Idaho to resist the project. Loomer stated that every politician in the state should be put on notice over the issue.

She claimed the move has made some Trump supporters not want to vote. According to Reuters, Loomer said this is the type of action she would expect from a President Ilhan Omar. The White House has not yet publicly addressed this specific criticism from a key ally.

Defense Officials Finalize Bilateral Training Agreement

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani formalized the pact. The facility will be constructed at the Mountain Home Air Force Base. Hegseth expressed pride in the new agreement during the signing ceremony.

He stated the location would host Qatari F-15 aircraft and their pilots. The primary goal is to enhance combined training and increase military interoperability. The Associated Press reported that this partnership aims to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

The facility is designed for Qatari pilots to train alongside American service members. This collaboration is framed as another example of the deepening partnership between the two nations. Hegseth assured the Qatari defense minister that the U.S. remains a reliable partner.

The new Qatar-Idaho base facility highlights the complex intersection of international diplomacy and domestic political pressures, testing alliances within the former president’s core support base.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is the purpose of the Qatar facility in Idaho?

The facility will host Qatari F-15 jets and pilots. Its main goal is to provide combined training with American forces. This enhances military cooperation and interoperability between the nations.

Why are some people opposing the base?

Critics like Laura Loomer cite national security concerns. They object to a Middle Eastern nation operating a facility on U.S. soil. The opposition frames it as an unwanted foreign influence.

Where exactly will the facility be located?

The facility is planned for the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This base is an existing installation for the U.S. Air Force. It was selected for this new bilateral training program.

Has the White House responded to the criticism?

As of the latest reports, the White House has not addressed the backlash. The criticism emerged shortly after the Pentagon’s announcement. Officials have yet to make a public statement on the matter.

Who signed the agreement for the U.S.?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth finalized the agreement. He signed the letter of acceptance alongside Qatar’s Defense Minister. The ceremony took place at the Pentagon.