President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are astonishingly adding insult to injury, reportedly punishing a Navy sailor over a suicide attempt. Critics say it’s payback for embarrassing the pair after exposing treacherous and inhumane conditions aboard the struggling USS Abr aham Lincoln. The aircraft carrier was on a record-breaking deployment which was extended repeatedly when earlier this month at least one crew member jumped overboard. The Navy confirmed it at the time and said it was related to a mental health issue. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth looks on as President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting of his Cabinet on Dec. 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Fast-forward a few weeks. Trump and Hegseth were essentially forced to bring the Lincoln home after family members started alerting lawmakers and the media about what was happening aboard the ship. ‘Whoa’: Trump Faces Embarrassing Secret Service Leak That May Have Left Him More Exposed Than Anyone Realized Reports indicated supply chain disruptions after Trump launched his war on Iran on Feb. 28, leading to months of fresh food shortages.The shortages continued as the Lincoln patrolled the Arabian Sea without port calls after Iran destroyed a key U.S. base.Other problems included a lack of hot water, mold, broken toilets and long stretches without laundry service. Sailors also reportedly lacked basic hygiene supplies, including deodorant and toothpaste.. Trump and Hegseth publicly dismissed struggling sailors and their families’ concerns. The president at one point earlier this month said the carrier had not been out “nearly long enough.” He called reports about the conditions on the ship “fake.” Hegseth denied there were any problems aboard the warship. Instead, he accused the media of “completely misrepresenting” family members concerns. Now the sailor, who has not been identified, is facing charges for attempting suicide, his wife told MS NOW, which also reviewed the charging documents. The unidentified sailor is back in San Diego now where he was taken for a health evaluation after the incident at sea. His wife, who spoke to MS NOW anonymously, says he’s “facing nonjudicial punishment for violating articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” The news outlet reports the Navy is charging the sailor with violating Article 83 for “intentionally faking an illness or hurting themselves to avoid work, duty or service.” He’s also charged under Article 86 for “absence without leave.” Essentially when he jumped overboard, he left his post without permission. His wife told MS NOW, “I think they’re insane for doing this to people who need mental help.” “Instead of giving them help, this is just another huge stressor,” she added. Social media lashed out in disgust and anger. “Rather than admit failure, make changes and provide resources to those willing to sacrifice everything for our country, they have chosen to kick this sailor when he’s already down,” a Threads user scornfully stated. Then added, “What another gross display of evil and disrespect for our men and women in uniform.” Plenty of others agreed. Threads poster Jamie believes the administration should face consequences. “There should be no member of the military or the family of the military that support Trump and anything after this. It’s a disgrace what they did to those sailors.” Another remarked, “Two disgusting, cruel, heartless men. Both are losers! I don’t know how they sleep at night!” The sailor jumped overboard on Aug. 3. Nonjudicial punishment is used for minor offenses to avoid courts-martial and official convictions, MS NOW reported. The news outlet reported a commanding officer will decide his case, and he could end up losing half his pay. The Lincoln was originally bound for the Pacific when it departed San Diego on Nov, 21. It was rerouted to the Middle East after Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war on Tehran. It wasn’t able to make port calls for months. Most Navy deployments last about six months. However, the Lincoln’s mission, which was expected to end in May, was extended multiple times. The 5,000 member-crew has been virtually captive on the ship, with most spending all their time below decks. ‘Cruel, Heartless Men’: Trump, Pete Hegseth Turn on Sailor Who Jumped Overboard Amid USS Lincoln Nightmare. Now He Faces Punishment Over Desperate Act ...read more read less