In March, Trump claimed the United States would wrap up its campaign in Iran in two to three weeks. Soon, it will be the six-month anniversary of Trump’s war with Iran. As attacks continue with no end in sight, the conflict is straining U.S. troops, with some ships, like the USS Abraham Lincoln, reporting suicide attempts and food shortages. Last week, military families raised concerns with leadership over conditions aboard the Lincoln in an in-person meeting with the acting Secretary of the Navy and a second, virtual meeting with Navy leadership. As Trump digs deeper into an endless and unpopular war with Iran, American service members are suffering, and their families are scared.
Families of the sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln are expressing frustration and fear over their loved ones’ ongoing deployment to support Trump’s forever war.
Annabelle Loma, a military spouse, has barely spoken with her husband since he attempted to jump overboard from the Lincoln amid the poor conditions. Loma currently cares for their three children as her husband is on medical hold after sources say he “attempted to jump overboard”. [Military Times]
Sailors reported to their families multiple other incidents of their crewmates attempting to jump overboard, including one sailor detailing to his wife the experience of pulling a crewmate back on deck after an attempt. [Military Times]
In July, one parent wrote, “my son is currently on [The USS Lincoln] and listening to him say that he and his shipmates constantly think about jumping off the ship just for relief is so hard to listen to.” [Stars and Stripes]
One military spouse told Navy leadership in a town hall meeting last week that her spouse “hopes he doesn’t wake up tomorrow” and reported that another woman said leadership had “broken trust” with the families. [Stars and Stripes]
This is not the only ship reporting poor conditions. Four months ago, just six weeks into Trump’s war with Iran, a Marine sent her father a photo of a meal served on the USS Tripoli. Her meal included a single folded tortilla and a small scoop of shredded meat. [USA Today]
In April 2026, one West Virginia pastor assisting sailors’ families said the sailors deployed to the Middle East are “hungry all the time.” [WION News]
The administration refuses to address these poor conditions and Trump is running from his failures in Iran.
In April, Secretary Hegseth denied the reports of shortages on the Lincoln and the Tripoli, saying “both have 30+ days of Class I supplies (food) on board…our sailors deserve – and receive – the best.” [USA Today]
The U.S. Navy said in a recent statement to CNN, “we have not observed an increase in suicidal ideations or attempts aboard the ship.” [CNN]
Just days ago, Trump said “we are low-keying it” with Iran and “only semi-negotiating with them.” [Axios]
The American public stands against Trump’s war with Iran and Democrats are fighting to protect the troops.
Only 23% of Americans want to continue military action against Iran. [AP-NORC]
Just 28% approve of Trump’s handling of the situation with Iran, while 66% disapprove. [Quinnipiac]
62% of Americans disapprove of U.S. attacks on Iran, and 69% think Trump has not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.” [Reuters/Ipsos]
One woman connected to a sailor aboard the Lincoln questioned the mission at a town hall, saying she believed the military was “killing innocent civilians.” She explained that her sailor expressed guilt about their actions, resulting in applause from the other military families. [MS NOW]
Senator Richard Blumenthal wrote to Secretary Hegseth on Wednesday to express “serious concern” about the Lincoln and the sailors’ conditions. [CNN]
Representative Mike Levin recently spoke out about the Lincoln’s conditions, writing on X that the sailors are “so worn down that, according to one family member, the ship’s own doctor warned they need to reach port soon or people are going to start losing their minds.” [@MikeLevin]
Senator Ruben Gallego called for “a bipartisan congressional delegation to visit the USS Lincoln to conduct [an] oversight investigation into this horrible situation.” [@RubenGallego]
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Service members, veterans, and their families can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Share this video to raise awareness of the mistreatment of U.S. service members in Trump’s endless war.
(Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
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