Trump Denies Reports of Deteriorating Conditions Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln as “Fake News”

The U.S. Navy says a guided-missile destroyer spent four days adrift in the South China Sea last month after an engineering failure left the 10,000-ton warship unable to maneuver under its own power. The breakdown left sailors aboard the USS Benfold without easy access to food, water, toilets and air conditioning. The news comes as the Pentagon is under scrutiny over reports of low morale and mental health crises impacting sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has been deployed continuously for nine months supporting President Trump’s attacks on Iran. On Monday, Trump downplayed reports about poor conditions on the Lincoln, including rationed food, moldy showers and shortages of basics including soap and deodorant. Trump insisted the Lincoln is “beautifully maintained and beautifully taken care of.” Meanwhile, Trump lashed out at CNN reporter Kristen Holmes when she asked whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had personally requested that the U.S. end joint military exercises with South Korea. Kristen Holmes: “Did he ask you specifically to scale back on those?” President Donald Trump: “Quiet. Quiet. You’re very disrespectful in front of this young man. OK? Don’t you find her disrespectful? He understands. Quiet. Who are you with?” Kristen Holmes: “I’m with CNN.” President Donald Trump: “Fake news. You’re fake news.” Kristen Holmes: “I just wanted to follow up on the South Korea question.” President Donald Trump: “You’re a loud — you’re a loud, boisterous person. You’re fake news. Be quiet.” Kristen Holmes: “I was trying to find out if you had” — President Donald Trump: “Be quiet. Be quiet.” Kristen Holmes: — “been talking to Kim Jong-un, if he had asked you” — President Donald Trump: “You’re a fake reporter, and you report fake news.” Kristen Holmes: — “to scale back on those military exercises.” President Donald Trump: “Go ahead.” www.democracynow.org