Trump Dismisses Reports About Dire Conditions Aboard U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln
New York Times · LC · trust 52/100
Asked whether the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln had gone on too long, the president said its deployment had lasted “not nearly long enough.”
Listen · 4:37 min Share full article President Trump boarded Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington, on Friday, at the start of a visit to New York. Credit... Al Drago for The New York Times By Erica L. Green
Mr. Trump’s comments came in response to a reporter who asked about the reported conditions stemming from the extended deployment, which have included shortages of basic supplies, safety and hygiene issues and deteriorating mental health. When the reporter said that the crew members’ families were concerned , Mr. Trump said, “No, they’re not.”
The president, who was about to depart the Washington area for an event in New York, was asked whether he was concerned about the crew’s mental health and whether he thought the deployment had gone on too long.
“No. No. No,” he said. “Not nearly long enough.”
He acknowledged, however, that the Navy would soon replace the vessel “with another very similar ship.”
The Navy is sending the aircraft carrier George Washington to relieve the Lincoln, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity for lack of authorization to speak publicly about ship schedules.
Mr. Trump’s remarks were the latest to downplay the consequences of his decision to attack Iran, causing a conflict that has lasted far longer than he initially promised and whose objectives and end have grown more and more elusive.
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