Laura Loomer, a well-known conservative provocateur and fervent supporter of former President Donald Trump, raised eyebrows over the weekend by questioning the White House's decision to accept a $400 million Boeing jet from the Qatari government. In a post on the social media platform X, Loomer stated, “I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.” Her words come as the administration prepares to receive the aircraft, which she believes could tarnish Trump’s legacy.
Trump has confirmed reports that Qatar's royal family intends to donate a Boeing 747-8 airplane to the Department of Defense (DOD) to replace the aging Air Force One during his presidency. According to an exclusive report from ABC News, the aircraft is set to be transferred to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office. The formal announcement regarding this donation is expected to coincide with Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East this week.
In her critique, Loomer expressed deep disappointment, stating, “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true.” She argued that accepting such a significant gift from Qatar undermines efforts to label the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. “It’s going to be hard for the admin to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and obliterate Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah when Qatar funds the Muslim Brotherhood, harbors HAMAS, and the US just accepted a $400 million jet from Qatar,” she wrote. Loomer further claimed, “The biggest lobby in DC is the Qatar lobby. We are watching an Islamic takeover of our country in real time.”
Democratic lawmakers have also voiced their concerns about the implications of this gift. They argue that it may violate the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which forbids public officials from accepting valuables from foreign entities. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) shared his thoughts on X, stating, “A gift you use for four years and then deposit in your library is still a gift (and a grift).”
In contrast, Trump defended the donation in a post on Truth Social, dismissing his critics as “Crooked Democrats” and “World Class Losers.” He remarked, “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also sought to justify the donation during an appearance on Fox News, stating, “The Qatari government has graciously offered to donate a plane to the Department of Defense. The legal details of that are still being worked out.” She assured viewers, “Any donation to this government is always done in full compliance with the law, and we commit ourselves to the utmost transparency, and we will continue to do that.”
Loomer has previously demonstrated significant influence within Trump’s circle. She was credited with playing a role in the dismissals of several national security aides last month after a meeting with the president in the Oval Office. When asked about her involvement in Trump’s political sphere, he stated, “Laura is a supporter. I don’t control Laura; she’s a free spirit.” In a separate post on X, Loomer claimed that her opportunities for employment at the White House have been blocked by staff members, saying, “The President has hired me 4 times. All 4 directives to onboard me have been blocked by his staff.”
