Dem Senator Calls For Oversight Visit To USS Lincoln After Reports Of Dire Conditions

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Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is calling for an oversight visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln following several reports of sailors and Marines living in poor conditions.

"I'm pushing for an official, bipartisan oversight visit to the USS Lincoln," Gallego posted on X Thursday. "It's clear Donald Trump, who avoided active duty himself, couldn't care less about the health and safety our service members."

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The Lincoln began its deployment on Nov. 21 and was expected to return in May. But after President Donald Trump started a war with Iran in February, the Lincoln has remained in the region to support combat operations, with no return date set.

Families of several sailors have said food has been scarce on the ship, and basic supplies like toothpaste and soap are running low. The mental health crisis is reportedly so bad that there have been instances of sailors attempting to jump overboard.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports on Thursday, saying conditions on the carrier have been "completely misrepresented."

"Some deployments are longer than others, and I have more respect and gratitude for those sailors than anybody," Hegseth said. 

Gallego is calling on Congress to "do its job and hold this administration accountable."

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