The White House asked the U.S. Navy to make sure a warship named for late Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainGraham dismisses Scarborough slam he ‘sold his soul’ for Trump Rep. Moulton on Trump: ‘I have never seen a weaker commander in chief in American history’ George Conway defends Klobuchar from Meghan McCain criticism MORE (R-Ariz.) would be “out of sight” ahead of President TrumpDonald John TrumpDemocrat to announce Senate bid Wednesday against Lindsey Graham Harris praises Amash for calling for Trump’s impeachment: He has ‘put country before party’ NY Times reporter wears wedding dress to cover Trump in Japan after last-minute dress code MORE‘s visit to Japan over the weekend, according to an email obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

The email, dated May 15, included an outline of plans for the president’s arrival, including instructions for the ship.

“USS John McCain needs to be out of sight,” the email reportedly read. “Please confirm #3 will be satisfied.”

Officials, including acting Defense Secretary Patrick ShanahanPatrick Michael ShanahanUS identifies remains of more American soldiers from North Korea Overnight Defense: Republican blocks disaster aid package that includes money to rebuild military bases | Trump revives fight over aircraft carrier catapults | Trump contradicts ally, aide on North Korea missile tests GOP rep says intel on Iran is ‘credible’ MORE, were aware of the concern about the USS John McCain and approved measures so it would not be visible during Trump’s visit, an official told the Wall Street 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. A barge was also reportedly moved near the ship to make it harder to see its name from the USS Wasp.

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The Journal also reported that sailors on the ship, who normally wear caps with its name, were given the day off when Trump gave his address.

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill.

Late Wednesday evening, Trump responded to the report on Twitter, writing that he had not been informed about the decision.

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

McCain’s daughter and “The View” co-host Meghan McCainMeghan Marguerite McCainGeorge Conway defends Klobuchar from Meghan McCain criticism Meghan McCain to Amy Klobuchar: Leave my father ‘out of presidential politics’ Meghan McCain on Pelosi-Trump feud: ‘Put this crap aside’ and ‘work together for America’ MORE also weighed in after the report was published on Wednesday, calling Trump “a child.” 

Trump visited two military outfits to cap off his weekend trip to Japan. The president then met with U.S. troops aboard the USS Wasp, where he wished them a “very happy Memorial Day.”

Over the course of his roughly 30-minute visit, Trump critiqued plans to change the design of some aircraft carriers’ catapults, recounted his trip to Japan and praised those aboard for their service.

Trump and McCain feuded on and off, and Trump has repeated his criticism of the late Arizona lawmaker even after his death.

In March, Trump ramped up his criticism of McCain, accusing him of handing a dossier of explosive claims about Trump’s ties to Russia to the FBI for “very evil purposes.” 

He also complained about not receiving a “thank you” for approving funeral arrangements for McCain, despite his dislike for the former senator. 

McCain was memorialized at Washington’s National Cathedral last fall, and Trump was not invited to attend.

Updated at 9:25 p.m.

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