The U.S. Department of Defense approved a plan for Qatar to establish a military training facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This facility will host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and personnel, enabling joint training exercises with U.S. forces to enhance interoperability and combat readiness. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that while Qatar will fund and construct the facility, it will operate under U.S. jurisdiction and control, maintaining the base’s status as a U.S. Air Force installation.
Despite these assurances, the announcement has sparked significant backlash. Critics, including far-right activist Laura Loomer, falsely claimed that the Pentagon is granting Qatar a military base on American soil, fueling social media outrage.
In response, popular journalist and podcaster posted under the name “Under the Desk News” produced an explainer clarifying that the facility is a training site, not a full-fledged base, and operates within the existing U.S. military infrastructure. And even Pete Hegseth went on his own social media to discount this accusation.
This arrangement mirrors similar agreements with other allied nations, such as Singapore, which has maintained a presence at Mountain Home since 2008. The Qatari facility is part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S.-Qatar defense ties, especially following Qatar’s support for U.S. interests in the Middle East. The project is expected to create American jobs and support broader U.S.-Qatari military cooperation.
However, the deal has ignited a firestorm among Trump’s core supporters, like Loomer, some accusing the administration of compromising American sovereignty. As the facility’s construction progresses, it remains to be seen how domestic opposition will influence its development and the future of U.S.-Qatar military partnerships.
The post No, Qatar isn’t taking over an Idaho air force base appeared first on Salon.com.
