Families of USS Lincoln crew say Trump should be 'ashamed' of conditions on board

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption toggle caption Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP WASHINGTON — Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are condemning President Trump's comments on the ship's record deployment. A U.S. defense official not authorized to speak publicly told NPR the USS George Washington is en route to relieve the USS Lincoln, which has been at sea for nearly nine months Trump was asked by reporters Friday whether the USS Lincoln's deployment had gone on too long. "No, not nearly long enough," Trump said. His comments come amid reports of food shortages, plumbing problems and declining mental health among crew members. There have even been some reports – which NPR has not been able to independently confirm – that sailors have attempted to jump overboard. Karen Bramlett's grandson is on the ship. She asked NPR not to use his name for fears he could face repercussions or harassment from the military. Bramlett said she is able to communicate with her grandson via Instagram about once a week. "He's saying he's good mentally and physically...