Trump Admin Sparks MAGA Fury With Qatari Air Force Base in US--'Betrayed' [View all]
Source: Newsweek
Oct 10, 2025 at 12:59 PM EDT
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the U.S. has greenlit the establishment of a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility in Idaho, a move that has drawn backlash from some of the administration’s closest Make America Great Again (MAGA) allies, with Laura Loomer saying, "I have never felt more betrayed by the GOP," over the move.
Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist during President Donald Trump's first term and architect of the MAGA movement, told Newsweek in a text message, "There should never be a military base of a foreign power on the sacred soil of America.” Newsweek has reached out to Qatar's government communication office for comment via email on Friday.
Why It Matters
The administration's announcement shocked the MAGA core base, who have applauded the president on his "America First" agenda. The agreement states an Idaho air base will "host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots." The move comes months after Trump accepted a Qatari luxury jet, which drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including from Loomer.
It also comes as the U.S. is working with mediators in the region to put an end to the Israel Hamas war. Qatar has been a longtime ally of the U.S. and hosts key CENTCOM military operations at Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-admin-sparks-maga-fury-with-qatari-air-force-base-in-us-betrayed-10862415
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