President said nine months at sea ‘not nearly long enough’ even as families call for attention to mental health crisis

• US navy veterans and military health experts express concern over USS Abraham Lincoln sailors
  

Donald Trump has downplayed concerns about US sailors enduring a record-setting deployment of nearly nine months onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Friday, saying the deployment was “not nearly long enough” as concerns mount over mental health and supply issues onboard the aircraft carrier.

The US president made the comments during a brief exchange with reporters before flying to New York for an event highlighting falling violent crime rates across the US.

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• Trump downplays concerns about sailors deployed for record 250 days

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The Trump administration, in its appeal to the supreme court today, said that “this case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex including a totally secure ballroom space, at the East Wing of the White House, which is vitally required by national security.”

It’s worth noting that the appeals court ruling blocks the above-ground construction of the ballroom, but would allow the work on the underground security structure to continue.