Trump bestie Laura Loomer thinks Lockheed Martin jets are too woke now

On April 26, 2025, far-right activist Laura Loomer, known for her close ties to former President Donald Trump and unhinged opinions, took to X to criticize Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet program. In her post, Loomer alleged that the $2 trillion program is plagued by technical failures. She also said the jet is compromised by what she described as “woke” policies.​

In her post, Loomer claimed that the F-35 program, one of the most expensive weapons programs in history, is delivering jets that are “simply not ready for combat.” She cited issues such as nonfunctional radar systems and deteriorating stealth capabilities. She did not provide direct evidence for these claims. 

Loomer also accused Lockheed Martin of being “increasingly obsessed with pushing a woke agenda,” despite the company scrapping its DEI programs in January.

What’s wrong with the F-35?

🚨NEW🚨

The F-35 Fiasco: Lockheed Martin’s Woke Agenda & The Betrayal of American Taxpayers

It’s time to shine a spotlight on a scandal that’s been quietly draining our nation’s resources while compromising our military readiness. Every single day, @LockHeedMartin, a company… pic.twitter.com/ORmIzPqQxE

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 26, 2025

The F-35 program has faced scrutiny over the years for its high costs and technical challenges. According to a May 2024 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), contractors continue to deliver engines and aircraft late—a trend that has worsened in recent years. The program also faces delays in updating the aircraft’s software and has been slow to modernize the engine and other aircraft components. 

In March 2023, the GAO reported that the mission-capable rate for all F-35s was well below the mission-capable goal the Air Force has for its F-35As, and the goal for the Navy and Marine Corps’ F-35B and F-35C variants. The report highlighted issues such as a backlog of broken spare parts, long repair times averaging 141 days, and a lack of technical data for maintenance personnel. 

Additionally, a 2019 report from Defense News detailed several deficiencies, including cabin pressure spikes causing barotrauma, structural damage to stealth coatings during supersonic flight, and issues with the helmet-mounted display affecting pilot visibility.

“The F-35 is the cornerstone of the battlespace”

Close-Up with the Quarterback of the Skies 📸

The F-35 is more than just a fighter jet⁠—it seamlessly connects with other aircraft and systems to deter threats. pic.twitter.com/3GtFrKTI9A

— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) April 12, 2025

In response to Loomer’s criticisms, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson told Business Insider, “The F-35 is the cornerstone of the battlespace for 20 allied nations, enabling peace through strength in the 21st century. It is combat proven, offers the most advanced capability and technology, and is the most affordable option to ensure the US and allies remain ahead of emerging threats.”

Lockheed Martin complied with Trump’s anti-DEI executive order

Lockheed Martin has officially ended its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January 2025. The company announced that it would no longer set goals or offer incentives based on demographic representation or affirmative action plans. Additionally, Lockheed Martin stated that its training programs would comply with Executive Order 13950 from Trump’s first administration, emphasizing a merit-based approach to talent management .​

Loomer’s post aligns with her history of controversial statements and actions. She has described herself as “pro-white nationalist” and a “proud Islamophobe,” leading to bans from multiple social media platforms and other services for violating policies on hate speech and misinformation. 

Elon Musk, another prominent figure in Trump’s circle, echoed Loomer’s sentiments, suggesting that drones could replace manned aircraft. However, defense experts have disputed this claim, noting that drone alternatives would face similar, if not greater, issues with costly and complex electronics and software.