Key facts
- Donald Trump claims the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is "beautifully maintained."
- Donald Trump called CNN reporting about the USS Abraham Lincoln "fake news."
- Naval families expressed anger over the dismissal of their concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- Donald Trump claimed vandals damaged grass on the National Mall.
- The damaged grass was located near the World War II Memorial.
- The National Mall grass was the site of Donald Trump's July 4 celebration.
- Photos suggest the grass damage is consistent with trampling from the July 4 event.
President Donald Trump has publicly refuted reports suggesting that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is in a state of disrepair. Trump stated that the vessel is "beautifully maintained" and characterized the reporting as "fake news," directly addressing a CNN reporter. Naval families have reportedly voiced anger over the dismissal of their concerns regarding the carrier's condition.