Trump defends USS Abraham Lincoln, calls CNN report fake news

President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is "beautifully maintained," citing an unnamed retired admiral’s comments and unnamed "other people" who allegedly confirmed the claim. He dismissed a CNN reporter’s questions, telling her to "be quiet" and labeling the coverage as "fake news."

"The Lincoln has been out there for a period of time – a good period of time – but over the years, we’ve had them out there much longer," Trump said, adding that the admiral told him the ship is "beautifully maintained and beautifully taken care of."

The carrier, which left San Diego on 21 November 2025, has now been at sea for more than 250 days without a port call, setting a record for continuous deployment. Independent military publications, including Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, have reported shortages of supplies, water, and plumbing failures aboard the ship, and have noted several sailors attempting to jump overboard.

Democratic lawmakers have asked the Pentagon for answers, and families of crew members have expressed anger at the administration’s dismissal of their concerns.

"I grew up in a United States where you have to be very respectful of the military… and now the commander-in-chief and defense secretary are dismissing their experiences and calling them liars," said a sister of a crew member, speaking anonymously.