Trump brushes off concerns over US carrier crew welfare

Washington: President Donald Trump dismissed worries on Friday about the well-being of crew members on the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier currently deployed against Iran. He assured reporters that family members were not concerned about the situation aboard the ship. Trump also dismissed claims that the vessel had been deployed for too long, stating multiple times, "No, no, no, not nearly enough."

The president confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln would soon be replaced by another aircraft carrier, as tensions between the United States and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program remain unresolved. However, US media outlets and military publications have reported deteriorating living conditions and at least two suicide attempts among crew members.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao dismissed these reports, stating that mental health issues were treated without loss of life and criticizing the media for portraying service members as victims.

Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into the allegations. The USS Abraham Lincoln departed California in November 2025 for duty in the South China Sea but was diverted to the Middle East following US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28. Analysts argue that carrier strike groups are generally designed for six-month deployments, including considerations for sailor welfare.

Media attention to the families' complaints has reportedly created an additional challenge for President Trump's efforts to justify the unpopular war in the Middle East, which contributed to a decline in his poll numbers.