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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Friday, April 17, 2026

Two images of the rationed meals served to crews deployed to the Middle East have gone viral online, sparking concern about the conditions aboard U.S. warships and reports of dwindling food supplies.

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I spent around 4 months floating around in the Gulf back in 97-98 and we ate pretty well. Chow hall food is never going to be a great culinary experience but we ate way better than what you see in those photos.

#1 | Posted by qcp at 2026-04-17 11:21 AM | Reply

Looks like USS Photo Prop got all the steak and lobster.

#2 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-17 11:25 AM | Reply | Funny: 2

#3 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-17 11:27 AM | Reply

"one tray contains little more than shredded meat and a single tortilla, and another depicts what relatives described as an unidentifiable "grey" processed slab alongside vegetables"

Spoiled bellyaching Americans!

Hardtack and rum was enough for the British Empire to conquer one-quarter of the world. Good enough for them, it should be good enough for us!

#4 | Posted by censored at 2026-04-17 11:50 AM | Reply

Where's Granny DoorDash when you need her?

#5 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-04-17 02:56 PM | Reply | Funny: 2

All Pres Trump has to do is burp, and a Big mac appears in front of him.

Why does he seem to be starving our brave troops?

#6 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-17 08:16 PM | Reply

Why does he seem to be starving our brave troops?

Because he doesn't care. Probably doesn't even think about it.

#7 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-17 08:47 PM | Reply

Bombs>people

#8 | Posted by Brennnn at 2026-04-17 09:25 PM | Reply

"Trump has no use for the concept of 'service.' He doesn't care about active-duty troops, he doesn't care about veterans, he doesn't care about those who have fallen. The only thing that matters to Donald is money. Donald Trump knows nothing about service. In fact, he has contempt for it. He deferred his service in Vietnam five times using a fictional injury as an excuse because he is and always has been a coward."

Mary Trump

#9 | Posted by SomebodyElse at 2026-04-17 09:43 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 4

www.afr.com

#10 | Posted by FortNecessity at 2026-04-17 11:35 PM | Reply

... Two images of the rationed meals served to crews deployed to the Middle East have gone viral online, sparking concern about the conditions aboard U.S. warships and reports of dwindling food supplies. ...

I have to admit, this topic has hit me hard this evening.

Pres Trump does not seem to be taking care of those very soldiers he touts as his strength.

I am wrestling with my support of our Troops vs Pres trump's apparent apathy towards those same Troops.


#11 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-18 12:07 AM | Reply

@#11 ... I am wrestling with my support of our Troops vs Pres trump's apparent apathy towards those same Troops. ...

Of course, my support for our Troops comes out on top.

But that I have to have such an internal debate saddens me.

I support our Troops.

Does Pres Trump?

#12 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-18 12:15 AM | Reply

Hungry all the time'? US Navy calls USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli food shortage claims fake news'
www.wionews.com

... US Navy rejects reports of food shortages on USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli as crew complaints and logistics questions surface.

Reports from sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli sparked controversy after claims of food shortages and poor meal quality surfaced during the Middle East deployment. Crew members allegedly described being "hungry all the time," raising concerns about supply chain disruptions. The issue quickly gained traction online, putting pressure on the US Navy to clarify conditions aboard its deployed warships.

Pentagon pushback: 'No food shortage', says Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth dismissed the allegations, calling reports of shortages 'false'. He said both USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli have sufficient food supplies, with nutritionally balanced meals provided to all personnel. Emphasising troop welfare, he reiterated that the Navy ensures proper portioning and health standards, countering viral claims circulating across social media platforms. ...


#13 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-18 01:50 AM | Reply

Sec Hegseth says there are no food issues?

Why may he not be believable?

Has he ever lied in the past?

#14 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-18 01:52 AM | Reply

Has he ever lied in the past?

Watch out for that "great vengeance and furious anger" thing.

LOL.

#15 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-18 02:12 AM | Reply

My concern is about the fate the sailors may uffer because they sent those pictures to their families.

When might the "retribution" President do to them?


#16 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-04-18 02:13 AM | Reply

Liar, The kids on the ships and the parents receiving the photos of the crap that is being served,
I don't think you have the ability to speak a truth, You would choke on it,

#17 | Posted by gypsydiane8177 at 2026-04-18 08:15 AM | Reply

He said both USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli have sufficient food supplies, with nutritionally balanced meals provided to all personnel.

"He was given water and vitamin supplements. His health was never in danger."

~Lieutenant Jonathan James Kendrick

#18 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-18 12:17 PM | Reply

Looks like all of the resident sociopathic, dirtbag, rethuglicans are staying away from this one...

#19 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-04-18 01:11 PM | Reply

I can't believe this insanity. Even back when I was in the service 33+ years ago, Navy food was by all accounts the best. Even on troop-filled C130 flights we all got "box lunches", which weren't exactly appetizing but those seem like gourmet feasts compared to the stuff in these photos. Even when we were out in the boonies living in the mud for 3+ weeks at a time we got old C-rats in cans, but they tasted okay and there was lots of it.

This near-prison-food being served to US military is unacceptable.

I've never seen anything like that shoe leather in the photo, my best guess is it's some sort of canned Spam-like meat-simulated substance.

#20 | Posted by MadMikeMcGonzo at 2026-04-18 04:35 PM | Reply

Those USAF box lunches were fine: Ham and cheese or tuna fish on white bread, half-pint milk, half-pint fruit juice, water, bag of potato chips, small chocolate or granola bar, cookies, apple, banana, or orange, plenty of mustard and mayo packets, but not enough napkins.

#21 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-18 06:45 PM | Reply

I spent 91 days off the coast of Iran(Gonzo station)on the USS Midway in 79. Plenty of food. Gut bomb burgers 24/7. Find this hard to believe.

#22 | Posted by rf4b at 2026-04-18 07:08 PM | Reply

I spent 91 days off the coast of Iran(Gonzo station)on the USS Midway in 79. Plenty of food. Gut bomb burgers 24/7. Find this hard to believe.
#22 | Posted by rf4b

Have you seen the price of ground beef with the Trumpflation?

Photos could have just been posted by picky eaters who only took a few options that suited them. But, if that's the case, how come no photos from the MAGAts on those ships showing their own loaded plate?

#23 | Posted by censored at 2026-04-19 08:09 AM | Reply

"I spent 91 days off the coast of Iran(Gonzo station)on the USS Midway in 79."

Yeah...sure ya did...LOL!!!

#24 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-04-19 09:10 AM | Reply

#25 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-04-19 09:24 AM | Reply

Just a few weeks ago it was scandalous that the military was spending money on lobster and steak for the troops. Now they aren't spending enough? I'd love to know what the sweet spot is for you loons.

#26 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-19 10:28 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Just a few weeks ago it was scandalous that the military was spending money on lobster and steak for the troops. Now they aren't spending enough?

How about they just feed the troops consistently and not lie or exaggerate.

Maybe they shouldn't have blown their ALL of this years food budget on steak and lobster for a stupid PR event?

Maybe replace loyalists and arse kissing sycophants with competent logistics experts?

I could go on. But what's the point?

Pretty sure you don't actually care about the health of the troops you are putting in harms way with your continued support of a fascist moron and his hateful minions.

#27 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-04-19 10:46 AM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

Just a few weeks ago it was scandalous that the military was spending money on lobster and steak for the troops.
#26 | Posted by BellRinger

Not true at all. That was not a scandal. Maybe it should have been, since anyone connecting the dots could see the fancy dinner very obviously telegraphed the attacks on Iran. But it's common knowledge the troops get fed well before they go to war.

Maybe you're remembering of the time we published the Top Secret battle plans on a group chat with a journalist on it? Now that was a scandal. One that put American lives at risk.

#28 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-19 11:20 AM | Reply

What makes you think that food went to the troops? I don't recall the mother of a young soldier I know commenting on her son being fed steak and lobster. More likely that food went to Dotard's fundraisers or Kegbreath shared it with his Christian Nationalist commanding officers. It sure as hell didn't get to the troops.

#29 | Posted by _Gunslinger_ at 2026-04-19 12:34 PM | Reply

It sure as hell didn't get to the troops.

They did have a big spread aboard USS Photo Prop a while back. It's back as close to Iran as it's ever going to get, so maybe they'll do it again.

#30 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-04-19 12:39 PM | Reply

I'd love to know what the sweet spot is for you
#26 | Posted by BellRinger

The sweet spot for us is "Not starting a war with Iran."
Where is the sweet spot for you, JeffJ?

#31 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-04-19 12:47 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

WTF. For shame Hegseth.

#32 | Posted by moder8 at 2026-04-19 01:48 PM | Reply

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