President Donald Trump said yesterday that he was unaware of a White House request to move the USS warship named Senator John S. McCain, before his visit to Japan, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“I was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan,” Trump tweeted.
“Nevertheless, @FLOTUS and I loved being with our great Military Men and Women – what a spectacular job they do!” he continued.
According to the WSJ, the e-mail it obtained featured instructions about what should be done with the ship.
“USS John McCain needs to be out of sight,” the email reportedly read. “Please confirm #3 will be satisfied.”
Officials were aware of the concern about the USS John McCain and approved measures so it would be hidden during Trump’s state visit, an official told the Journal.
The ship has been stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base near the USS Wasp, where Trump delivered Memorial Day remarks and visited U.S. officers.
Before Trump’s address, a tarp was hung over the USS John McCain’s name and sailors were reportedly directed to remove any coverings that showed the ship’s name.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request from The Hill for comment on plans to move the ship.
McCain and Trump frequently clashed while the former was in Congress, and the President has continued to criticize the Arizona lawmaker after his death.
In March, Trump accused McCain of handing a dossier of explosive claims about Trump’s ties to Russia to the FBI for “very evil purposes.”
He has also complained about not receiving a “thank you” for approving funeral arrangements for McCain.
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