US pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere

The USS Gerald R. Ford has departed from Souda Naval Base in Greece, marking the removal of the last American aircraft carrier in the Asia-Pacific region as President Donald Trump's focus shifts towards Iran and the Western Hemisphere. This move comes amid growing concerns about mental health and supply issues aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is set to replace the USS George Washington in the Middle East due to extended deployment in support of Iran operations.

The absence of a U.S. carrier in the Pacific has raised unease among American allies, who fear that the unpredictable actions of the Trump administration could leave them vulnerable. Analysts note that China is likely to seize the opportunity to demonstrate its strength in the region, potentially exploiting the U.S. military presence's unpredictability to undermine its allies' security.

While Beijing may not invade Taiwan without the threat of an American aircraft carrier, the carrier's departure provides China with additional leverage to assert its dominance in the western Pacific.