Donald Trump’s longtime supporter Laura Loomer has publicly criticised the US president over his reported plan to accept a Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar’s ruling family, warning that the $400 million aircraft could become a major liability for his administration.“I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him,” Loomer wrote on X. “But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”Her remarks came after reports emerged that the Qatari government is in talks with the United States over the “possible transfer” of a luxury aircraft that could temporarily serve as Air Force One during Trump’s presidency. While Qatari officials denied the plane was being “gifted,” they confirmed discussions are underway, though no decision has been finalised.Loomer, an outspoken far-right activist and one of Trump’s most vocal defenders, called the move a betrayal. “The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members. The same proxies that have worked with the Mexican cartels to get jihadists across our border,” she wrote. “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true. And I say that as someone who would take a bullet for Trump.I’m so disappointed.”The plane, described by ABC News as a “flying palace,” is reportedly being considered as a short-term replacement for the ageing Air Force One fleet, which is due for replacement by 2028. The aircraft would reportedly be retrofitted with secure communications and defensive capabilities, though it would still fall short of the current Air Force One’s full range of features.Trump is expected to visit Qatar as part of his first major overseas tour of his second term, with stops also scheduled in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Reports suggest the aircraft could be turned over to his presidential library after his term ends in 2029, potentially allowing the administration to sidestep constitutional concerns.Still, the plan has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics experts. Senator Chris Murphy labelled the deal “wildly illegal,” while others have cited the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which prohibits government officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University, said this move is the “inevitable” outcome of Congress and the courts failing to enforce anti-corruption rules. Meanwhile, Trump’s critics mocked the “America First” slogan, with Senator Chuck Schumer quipping, “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar.”
