Donald Trump gives bizarre response when asked about four US Army soldiers who went missing after training mission
The disappearance of four U.S. Army soldiers during a training exercise in Lithuania has sparked controversy after President Trump’s response to the crisis. The soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division went missing along with their M88 Hercules armored vehicle near the Belarus border, prompting a massive search operation involving both U.S. and Lithuanian forces.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte initially stated the soldiers had died, but the alliance later walked back those comments, clarifying the search remains ongoing. Lithuanian officials report the soldiers’ vehicle was found submerged in 15 feet of water, though they caution there’s no confirmation the troops were inside when it went underwater.
When questioned by reporters, President Trump claimed he hadn’t been briefed about the missing soldiers, responding simply: “No, I haven’t.” His terse reply drew sharp criticism from observers who found his apparent lack of concern troubling for a commander-in-chief. Social media erupted with condemnation, with many noting he didn’t express any worry about the soldiers’ fate.
The incident highlights growing tensions in the Baltic region, where U.S. forces have maintained a presence since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Lithuania, a NATO member, has been particularly vocal in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, further straining relations with Moscow and its ally Belarus.
As search efforts continue in difficult swampy terrain that’s being drained, questions remain about both the soldiers’ whereabouts and the administration’s handling of the situation. Defense officials maintain there’s still hope for finding the missing troops alive, while the political fallout from Trump’s comments continues to grow.
