President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns regarding the conditions and length of the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier has been supporting the US war against Iran for nearly nine months, a record deployment exceeding 260 days at sea.
Reports have emerged of sailors struggling with mental health issues and attempting to jump ship amid grim and worsening conditions. These reports have led to an uproar from the families of service members.
Despite the backlash, Trump downplayed the situation and refuted claims that family members had raised concerns. He stated that the deployment had been not nearly long enough.
In response to the reported conditions on the vessel, members of the US Congress have called for a probe.