Record-breaking deployment of USS Lincoln ends as carrier returns to San Diego
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The USS Abraham Lincoln is coming back to San Diego later today after a historic deployment of 265 consecutive days at sea, supporting the Iran war.
For months, there have been many concerns following reports of supply shortages and declining mental health onboard.
However, US defense secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed these issues in remarks yesterday, criticizing “a few folks in the media” for trying to portray the Lincoln’s deployment “as some sort of symbol of dysfunction, or a symbol of low morale or a symbol of a failed mission.”
While officials from the Trump administration dismissed claims about poor conditions, families and veterans warned that the extended and intense deployment was affecting both those on board and their families.
As stories about living conditions surfaced, the Lincoln quickly became a focal point in the heated debate over the war and represented for some the strains that this conflict has placed on the US military and its personnel.
Hegseth visited the carrier on Wednesday to award the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation, which is typically given for notable achievements in combat.
He remarked that “what makes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you’re resilient and you overcome – you finish the mission nonetheless.”
Hegseth told them that President Donald Trump “tracked your activities from day one and couldn’t be more proud of what you executed.”
The US carrier departed San Diego in November 2025 with around 5,000 sailors and marines onboard. It was initially headed for the Pacific with an expected return in spring. But when hostilities began between the US, Israel, and Iran in late February, it was redirected to support operations in that region.
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In other developments:
During remarks made in San Antonio, Texas, Donald Trump attempted to tap into anti-Muslim sentiments similar to those he leveraged during his 2016 campaign by jumping from warnings about Iran using nuclear weapons if they had one straight into unfounded claims regarding Barack Obama’s actions during Ft Hood incident involving Nidal Hasan.
Trump reiterated his false assertion that his initiated war with Iran was crucial to prevent nuclear attacks on American cities like Los Angeles or San Diego. However, U. S. intelligence agencies reported back in 2025 that Iran had stopped pursuing nuclear weapons way back in 2003.
Protesters interrupted Trump’s midterm rally speech multiple times-up to a dozen times according to reports.
Meanwhile, Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit against Trump’s administration asking a federal court judge in Washington to stop him from using taxpayer money for airing self-promotional ads deemed as illegal government-funded propaganda.
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Key events
Donald Trump is visiting Washington today. At 1:30 PM ET he’ll be at the US Institute of Peace – an organization he has tried cutting funding for while renaming it after himself – attending an American innovation summit.
The president is expected to award Elon Musk-founder of Tesla and Space X-with a medal for science. This marks a full circle moment for them as they started Trump’s second term as close partners. Musk even led what was called Department of Government Efficiency aimed at reducing large portions of federal government under pretense of eliminating “waste, fraud and abuse.”
However last year Musk’s loyalty wavered when he criticized Trump’s sweeping domestic policy legislation dubbed One Big Beautiful Bill while also taking issue with Trump’s rollback on electric vehicle incentives leading towards public fallout akin to celebrity breakups.
Nonetheless recently Musk seems back within good graces having attended various significant White House events including state dinner held for China’s president Xi Jinping. He was also recently appointed head for temporary Pentagon project analyzing “the future of warfare” alongside Palmer Luckey-a key ally/donor-and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
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Marco Rubio-the U. S Secretary Of State-has once again faced accusations regarding misconduct linked with Kimberly Guilfoyle who serves as America’s ambassador stationed at Greece.
At end-of-action packed trip capped off by what diplomats called groundbreaking policy address delivered before Acropolis; Marco Rubio encountered allegations concerning impropriety surrounding top diplomat’s behavior while stationed there.
The Wall Street Journal released report detailing complaints against Guilfoyle-that occurred twice within just twelve days-pointing out her requesting $100k payment through Republican donor Eric Deters ahead confirmation hearing scheduled July 9th next year promising access high-profile officials along White House.
This came just before Rubio boarded plane heading toward Portugal concluding three-day European tour where he addressed press acknowledging knowledge about reporting but insisted it wasn’t true saying:
“You guys walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s gospel. It isn’t gospel for me.”
This isn’t first time foreign policy chief has dealt allegations regarding Guilfoyle’s conduct nor mentioned fake news while debunking them.
Wednesday during joint press conference held alongside Greece’s foreign minister asked whether confidence remained intact amid congressional scrutiny over Guilfoyle’s tenure following earlier allegations brought forth by Journal , Rubio visibly annoyed responded saying:
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“This isn’t forum addressing this simply enough,”
and added:
“Our embassy here is doing great work & our ambassador here has been strong.”.
Updated at 08:08 EDT p >
Late last month; Wall Street Journal ran article accusing prominent ambassador improper behaviors related sales pertaining U. S natural gas exports regionally via Greece citing instance wherein Guilfoyle reportedly boasted undermining governments including Greek if they didn’t comply with American directives.
ShareDonald Trump mentioned intention developing one Florida golf course transforming into presidential retreat allowing successors quiet weekends golf described as “sort Camp David” stating would possess numerous security features necessary hosting presidents world leaders respectively.
Proposal retreat located private West Palm Beach golf course intertwines presidency endeavors beyond term latest example showcasing seeking ways imprint left office personally. “Great idea & will get used often,” claimed trump asserting suggestion originated secret service suggesting all presidents play golf.” p >A majority Americans believe AI is progressing too rapidly requiring government oversight new poll reveals h2 > A new poll conducted by Associated Press-NORC Center found most Americans (64%) feel AI develops “too fast,” whereas only (27%) believe development remains “just right” & mere (8%) say it moves “too slow”.
Risk powerful models evading human control harming humanity once considered merely science fiction now emerges pressing concern even leaders developing frontier models call slowing progress allowing regulations catch-up. President Donald Trump however pushed back advocating not slowing down advancements due fears China gaining technological edge.
Update at07:51 EDT Secretary state Marco Rubio currently Portugal wrapping up final leg tour comprising three NATO allies. Rubio arrived Lisbon Thursday briefly stopping en route returning Washington day after delivering speech Athens urging European nations preserve Western civilization maintaining values traditions ancient Greece. Rubio started journey Iceland expected express gratitude Portuguese officials support U. S operations Iranian conflict permitting usage Lajes Field airbase located strategically Azores islands mid Atlantic facilitating military refueling flights. U. S Air Force established base there through agreements made between Portugal. Unlike Spain whose socialist leader Pedro Sánchez denied access bases staging operations targeting Iranian forces center-right government granted conditional approval utilize Lajes Field. “Portugal stands out excellent ally cooperative associate United States already possessing solid growing relationship purpose trip further reinforce ties,” stated Rubio prior leaving Athens. ShareAnna Betts
Although Donald Trump struggled bring conclusion Iranian war amidst prolonged deployment difficulties arose throughout summer concerning food supply shortages mental well-being morale shipmates two individuals attempted leap overboard. During period senior administration figures disregarded such reports Hegseth claimed they misrepresented actual circumstances whilst responding August query regarding extent lengthening deployment suggested “not nearly long enough” remark upset naval families involved. Reports concerning conditions aboard raised alarms amongst military health experts veterans kin sailors drawing backlash democrats requesting further information Pentagon responses received accordingly. Following prolonged assignment USS George Washington aircraft carrier assumed position replacing Lincoln late August. However recent weeks upon approach returning home new disclosures emerged sparking renewed scrutiny acting navy secretary Hung Cao admitted last month eight service members belonging strike group had attempted suicide throughout duration operational engagement. “`
