Trump says carrier deployment not long enough as families raise concerns over conditions on USS Abraham Lincoln

President Donald Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Friday that the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has not been "nearly long enough," dismissing concerns raised by families of sailors on board.

Family members who have spoken to media described limited food and supplies, deteriorating morale and reports of a sailor jumping overboard, which officials said resulted in a rescue and medical treatment.

Trump said the carrier is "moving right now or very shortly" and will be replaced by the USS George Washington, a transition that could take several weeks. A U.S. official confirmed the George Washington is slated to take over the Lincoln's duties in the Middle East.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said reports of dire conditions were "completely misrepresented," adding that the Navy ensures crews have essential supplies such as water, air-conditioning and meals.

U.S. military leaders have reportedly raised internal concerns about low morale and fatigue among service members deployed for the conflict with Iran, which has involved more than 50,000 troops. The Lincoln has been at sea for 244 consecutive days without a port visit since December, a longer stretch than the typical six-to-seven-month carrier deployment.

Senator Richard Blumenthal and other Democratic lawmakers have written to senior defense officials requesting answers about the carrier's operational tempo and the sustainability of current deployment practices.