Donald Trump claimed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is "beautifully maintained" despite reports of deteriorating conditions, berating a CNN reporter and calling the reporting "fake news." Naval families have expressed anger over the dismissal of their concerns.
The President's dismissal of reported conditions on a naval vessel and his confrontation with a reporter highlight a disconnect between official statements and the experiences of service members and their families, raising questions about military welfare and press freedom.
Donald Trump asserted that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is "beautifully maintained," citing third-hand accounts from an unnamed retired admiral and "other people," despite numerous reports detailing deteriorating living conditions during its extended deployment.
During a press availability at the White House, Trump directly addressed a CNN reporter, insisting she "be quiet" and labeling the reporting as "fake news." He recounted an exchange with a retired admiral who allegedly stated that ships are often deployed for longer periods and that the Lincoln is well-maintained. Trump did not identify the "other people" who purportedly corroborated this account.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for over 250 days without a port call, setting a modern record for such a deployment. Publications including Navy Times and Stars and Stripes have corroborated reports of supply and water shortages, as well as plumbing issues aboard the vessel. Some reports indicate that several sailors have attempted to leap from the ship.
Families of naval personnel deployed on US warships amid tensions with Iran have expressed frustration and anger over what they perceive as dismissals of their concerns by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. One sister of a Lincoln crew member, speaking anonymously due to fear of retribution, stated her anger at the commander-in-chief and defense secretary for dismissing the experiences of military personnel.