Hegseth and USS Lincoln issues
Lawmakers have raised concerns over conditions and extended deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. These issues have drawn responses from former President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth, whose wife's access and his own political considerations have also come under scrutiny. The USS Lincoln has returned home, while subsequent actions by Hegseth have led to the Army Secretary's resignation.
COVERAGE BY DAY
TIMELINE
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07 SEP
MON
USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has docked in Pattaya, Thailand, after a record 286-day deployment. The ship's arrival comes amidst reports of crew concerns regarding mental health and deteriorating living conditions during its extended time at sea.
L4·C3
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04 SEP
FRI
Army secretary resigns amid Pentagon tensions
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced his resignation, citing months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Senator Thom Tillis has called for Hegseth's dismissal, citing a leadership void and inept management. Tensions reportedly stem from leadership style, military preparedness, and promotion blockages.
L15·C4
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03 SEP
THU
Trump and Hegseth Iran war criticism
Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Nancy LaCour and Rep. Chris Deluzio have criticized Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth for their handling of the war in Iran and the U.S. military. They specifically pointed to oversight responsibilities within Congress. The criticism follows reports of Trump being surprised by the extent of military purges under Hegseth.
L2
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01 SEP
TUE
Hegseth blocks Army officer promotions
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling has expressed concern over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly blocking Army officer promotions. Hertling suggests this action is pure politicalization and not based on merit.
L2
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29 AUG
SAT
Pete Hegseth reportedly considering 2028 presidential run
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly considering a presidential run in 2028, according to sources. He and his wife have discussed the possibility, believing he shares attributes that resonate with Donald Trump's supporters. Hegseth is reportedly purging top military personnel.
L2
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25 AUG
TUE
USS Lincoln sailor says father arrested by ICE
A sailor aboard the USS Lincoln reported that his father was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The father, a Nicaraguan national who has lived in the U.S. for 19 years and held a work permit, was arrested in Key West, Florida. Homeland Security stated that having a family member in the military does not exempt individuals from immigration enforcement.
L2
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21 AUG
FRI
Defense secretary's wife attends sensitive meetings
Jennifer Hegseth, wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has reportedly attended sensitive meetings at the Pentagon, including those involving classified information and attack plans. She is described as an influential advisor despite lacking security or military experience.
L4
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Pentagon failed to resupply USS Lincoln before Iran conflict
New reporting indicates the USS Lincoln experienced significant supply shortages and deteriorating conditions during a conflict with Iran. This stemmed from a lack of Pentagon planning under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The situation was exacerbated by claims that Hegseth hid the destruction of a critical base by Iran.
L2
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USS Abraham Lincoln returns home
The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to port after a record 272-day deployment in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier's mission was extended due to the war with Iran. Conditions on board reportedly deteriorated, with sailors attempting self-harm.
L2
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17 AUG
MON
Trump downplays USS Abraham Lincoln deployment concerns
Former President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the conditions on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as fake. He stated that the current deployment is not nearly long enough, despite worries over mental health and supply issues for sailors who have been at sea for nearly nine months.
L3·C1·R1
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Lawmakers question Defense Secretary Hegseth on USS Lincoln conditions
Democrats are demanding accountability for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following reports of dire conditions and structural defects aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during its extended deployment. Hegseth has refuted claims that sailors are lying about the issues, stating crews are adequately supplied.
L5·C2
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14 AUG
FRI
USS Lincoln sailors' well-being questioned
Multiple sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly attempted to go overboard amid an extended deployment of over 250 days. Lawmakers are demanding answers about alleged extreme exhaustion, plummeting morale, and mental health strains due to conditions including food and water shortages and broken facilities.
L9·C2
