The Trump administration has recently found itself at odds with its staunchest supporters following an announcement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a move that has stirred controversy, the U.S. has granted approval for the Qatari Emiri Air Force to establish a contingent at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from key figures within the MAGA base, who view it as a deviation from the administration's "America First" policy.
The backlash was swift, with prominent MAGA activist Laura Loomer taking to social media to express her dismay. On October 10, 2025, Loomer stated, "I have never felt more betrayed by the GOP," labeling the move to allow a foreign military presence on American soil as utterly unacceptable. She further warned of potential security risks, citing Qatar's alleged connections to terrorism. Steve Bannon, another influential MAGA voice, echoed Loomer's sentiments, asserting that foreign military bases should not be permitted on America's "sacred soil."
The arrangement permits Qatari F-15s and their pilots to operate from the Idaho base. This development comes on the heels of President Donald Trump's acceptance of a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar, an act that had already sparked bipartisan criticism.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the U.S. government's ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate the Israel-Hamas conflict. In an attempt to quell the uproar, Hegseth clarified the situation in a social media post, as reported by Newsweek. He emphasized that the United States retains full control over the base and that Qatar will not have its own base or anything akin to it. However, this explanation did little to assuage the concerns of Loomer and her compatriots, who continue to voice their disapproval, fearing the decision could alienate MAGA voters.
Despite the outcry, it's important to note that the Idaho base has already hosted a presence from Singapore, underscoring the longstanding practice of cooperation with allied nations. Nevertheless, the controversy has highlighted the tension between the Trump administration's foreign policy initiatives and the expectations of its core supporters.
In response to Hegseth's attempts at clarification, Loomer doubled down on her opposition, stating, "Nobody wants the funders of HAMAS in America being trained to fly fighter jets on U.S. soil. A jihadist in a suit is still a jihadi. It’s a threat to our national security."
The situation remains a contentious issue as the administration navigates the complex waters of foreign policy while attempting to maintain the support of its base. As the story develops, it's clear that the administration will have to address the concerns of its supporters to prevent further rifts within the party.
