Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes editor, reporter for insubordination

The Pentagon has dismissed the editor-in-chief and a top reporter of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination after they publicly opposed Defense Department interference.

“

I stand by the principle that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent, as required by law and by the department's own policies.

Erik Slavin, editor-in-chief, told The Associated Press he was fired for stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would be a "red line." He asserted that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent, as mandated by law and Pentagon policy. Publisher Max Lederer, who had recently announced his retirement, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte were also dismissed.

The firings occur amid a period of increasing tension between the Trump administration and the media. The administration has been criticized for curtailing press access to the Pentagon and engaging in legal battles with major news outlets. Slavin stated he was terminated for defending the newsroom's editorial independence.

“

Today, I was informed that the Department of Defense is firing me for insubordination after I told a CBS reporter that I work for Stars and Stripes, not the Pentagon, not the administration, and not any policy maker.

Press organizations have condemned the actions. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. called the firings a "brazen attempt by the Pentagon to dictate coverage" and urged their reversal. He emphasized that firing an editor for defending editorial independence is deeply troubling for journalists and military members who rely on independent reporting.

“

Firing a newspaper editor after he publicly defended his newsroom's editorial independence is deeply troubling, and it should concern every journalist and every member of the U.S. military who depends on independent reporting.