Trump pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia to send to Mideast, and China 'is quite happy with U.S. distraction' as Beijing shows signs of aggression

President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the USS George Washington from the Western Pacific is expected to place the aircraft carrier in the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln as U.S. operations against Iran continue. The planned swap comes amid concerns the Lincoln’s return date was extended from May and amid reported worries over mental health and supply issues onboard a long-deployed carrier. Analysts say the absence of a carrier in the Pacific could be brief if another ship is deployed within months, but it underscores how the open-ended Iran posture strains sailors and leaves allies unsettled. China, which conducts exercises with regional partners and has shown aggression toward Japan and the Philippines, is viewed as benefiting from the distraction and reduced U.S. presence.