In response to a wave of social media backlash from critics as well as MAGA voices, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a “clarification” on the social platform X Friday about a newly announced military facility involving Qatar, insisting that it falls far short of being a “foreign base” on U.S. soil.
Earlier on Friday, Hegseth and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister & Defense Minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al‑Thani, formally announced a letter of acceptance to construct a Qatar Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
The purpose, Hegseth said, is to host Qatari F‑15 fighter jets and pilots for training alongside U.S. forces, to “enhance our combined training, increase lethality, [and] interoperability.”
The facility is to be funded by Qatar and built by U.S.-based contractors under the oversight of the U.S. military. The announcement triggered a storm of criticism from conservative commentators and activists.
Some took to social media accusing the administration of effectively ceding American land to a foreign power, warning of national security risks and questioning Qatar’s ties to extremist organizations.
Following the backlash, Hegseth posted on X: “To be clear, Qatar will not have their own base in the United States — nor anything like a base. We control the existing base, like we do with all partners.” However, several commentators were not satisfied by the explanation — including some firmly in the MAGA camp.
Conservative social media influencer Angela Van Der Pluym wrote: “The islamification of American in real time! What does your kafir tattoo even mean at this point? One of the biggest financiers of terrorism in the world made a deal to train fighter pilots on American soil. Oh joyous day!”
Right-wing influencer Laura Loomer replied to the secretary’s post and wrote: “Nobody wants the funders of HAMAS in America being trained to fly fighter jets on US soil. A jihadist in a suit is still a jihadi. It’s a threat to our national security.”
Podcaster and former Obama advisor Dan Pfeiffer reacted to Hegseth’s post and said: “F—— ups like this are why you don’t put Brian Kilmeade’s understudy in charge of the Pentagon.”
AP reporter Konstantin Toropin wrote: “This clarification comes after @LauraLoomer spent the day leveling harsh criticism against the move. She called the plan an 'abomination’ and accused the Qataris of being associated with Islamic terror organizations. Also this is Hegseth’s personal account.”