Trump: ‘I was not informed about’ reported request to move USS John McCain

President Trump said Wednesday that he was not informed about a reported White House request to the U.S. Navy to ensure a warship named for late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) would be “out of sight” ahead of the president’s visit to Japan.

“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.

I was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan. Nevertheless, @FLOTUS and I loved being with our great Military Men and Women – what a spectacular job they do!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019

The Wall Street Journal earlier Wednesday shared a May 15 email it obtained, which included instructions on what to do with the ship.

{mosads}“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 directed The Hill to statements made by Trump Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

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.”