politics
Trump dismisses USS Lincoln criticism and snaps at CNN reporter to ‘be quiet’
President says US carrier is ‘beautifully maintained’ and calls network ‘fake news’ over reports of poor conditions
TL;DR
- Donald Trump claimed third-hand reports indicate the USS Abraham Lincoln is 'beautifully maintained,' contradicting extensive accounts of poor living conditions.
- He called CNN's reporting 'fake news' during a White House press conference, telling reporter Kristen Holmes to 'be quiet.'
- Trump cited an unnamed retired admiral and unspecified 'other people' as sources for his claim.
- The Lincoln has set a modern record for the longest deployment at sea without a port call, exceeding 250 days.
- Navy Times and Stars and Stripes have reported shortages of supplies and water, as well as plumbing problems aboard the carrier.
- Reports of sailors attempting to leap from the ship have led to demands for answers from the Pentagon.
- Naval families expressed fury over Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissing concerns about extreme pressures and dire conditions.