Former US Senator Condemns Trump Administration Over USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment

Former West Virginia state senator and retired US Army Major Richard Ojeda has criticized the administration of US President Donald Trump over what he described as indifference toward the difficult conditions faced by American troops aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. In a post on X, Ojeda said no commander in chief he had served under, whether Democrat or Republican, had shown such a level of disregard for US troops.

His comments come as the USS Abraham Lincoln approaches 260 consecutive days at sea, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines during an extended deployment amid US military operations against Iran. Sailors and their families have reportedly raised concerns over shortages of food, water and basic supplies, plumbing problems, disrupted mail services and exhausting work schedules.

Reports have also highlighted concerns about the crew’s mental health following the unusually long deployment, including incidents in which sailors reportedly went overboard. The criticism comes amid growing attention to the physical and psychological pressures facing personnel involved in prolonged military deployments.