President Donald Trump showed a complete lack of concern for the more than 5,000 service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as it continues its prolonged deployment in the Middle East.
Asked Friday about worries that sailors and Marines are dealing with a lack of food and basic supplies ― with some reportedly attempting to jump overboard ― Trump said simply that "they're not."
"Well, no, that ship is moving," Trump said while answering questions at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. "No they're not. That ship is moving right now ― or very shortly ― and it's being replaced with another very similar ship."
Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.
The Lincoln began its deployment Nov. 21 and was expected to return in May. But after Trump started a war with Iran in February, the Lincoln has remained in the region to support combat operations, with no return date set. The George Washington aircraft carrier is expected to replace the Lincoln, but the timeline remains unclear.
Politics: Lawyer For Tate Brothers Mentions Trump, Rubio In Bizarre Rant
Trump was then asked if the deployment has gone on too long. Trump said it hasn't gone on long enough.
"No, no, no," Trump said. "Not nearly long enough."
Families of service members who spoke to MS NOW said their loved ones have complained that there have been long periods without hot water for showering, laundry services being down, and basic supplies like toothpaste and soap running out.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the claims have been "completely misrepresented."
Politics: Trump Reportedly Fumes At Hegseth Over Military's Missile Shortage
"Some deployments are longer than others, and I have more respect and gratitude for those sailors than anybody," Hegseth told reporters.
That same day, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called for an oversight visit to the Lincoln.
"I'm pushing for an official, bipartisan oversight visit to the USS Lincoln," Gallego posted on X. "It's clear Donald Trump, who avoided active duty himself, couldn't care less about the health and safety of our service members."
Harry Enten Says Republicans Should Be 'Running Scared' In Midterms For 1 Key Reason
Trump Tells Military Leaders The Enemy Is 'Within'
Trump Sending His Luxury Qatari Jet That Lacks Missile Defenses Back For More Modifications