Report: White House wanted USS John McCain moved for Trump trip

May 30, 2019 12:10 am • Last Updated: May 30, 2019 12:10 am

President Donald Trump greets troops after speaking at a Memorial Day event aboard the USS Wasp, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report says the White House wanted the U.S. Navy to keep a warship named for the late Sen. John McCain "out of sight" for President Donald Trump's recent trip to Japan.

The Wall Street Journal, citing a May 15 email, reported Wednesday that a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command official detailed plans to Navy and Air Force officials for Trump's arrival.

One directive said: "USS John McCain needs to be out of sight." The official said he would talk to the White House military office to get more information on the directive.

Trump has tweeted that he "was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan."

Trump had a rocky relationship with McCain, who died last year.

U.S. President Donald Trump greets to U.S. servicemen at U.S. Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo Tuesday, May 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures to U.S. servicemen at U.S. Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo Tuesday, May 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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