Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes leaders amid censorship concerns

The Pentagon has initiated dismissals of key leadership at Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military's independent newspaper funded by taxpayers. Publisher Max Lederer and Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin received their termination notices on Friday, with five days to appeal. The move has ignited concerns over editorial independence and potential censorship within the publication that serves U.S. service members and their families.

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According to the notice, I am being fired for stating in an interview with CBS that censorship of news for military members is a red line. The Pentagon's public affairs office accused me of insubordination.

According to reports, the dismissals cite "insubordination" as the reason. Slavin and Korte indicated that these accusations stem from their participation in a July interview with CBS News' "CBS Sunday Morning." In that interview, Slavin asserted that the Pentagon attempting to dictate the content of Stars and Stripes crossed an unacceptable line.

"According to the notice, I am being fired for stating in an interview with CBS that censorship of news for military members is a red line. The Pentagon's public affairs office accused me of insubordination," Slavin stated. He emphasized his commitment to the newspaper's editorial independence, which he believes is mandated by law and departmental policy. Slavin previously explained that he would not compromise on editorial integrity, citing an example where the Pentagon might demand the suppression of accurate reporting in favor of institutionally-written narratives.

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

Reporter Lara Korte also confirmed receiving a dismissal notice. She questioned the decision, viewing it as a blow to the institution and the military members who rely on a free and independent press for information. "I am proud of the work that I and my colleagues have done at Stars and Stripes, especially over the past six months covering the protracted conflict in Iran," Korte said. "Military families and service members trust us to convey their experiences to the world, and I do not take that trust lightly." Korte also clarified her role as a journalist, not a spokesperson for the Pentagon or any government entity, stating, "I work for Stars and Stripes. Not for the Pentagon, not for any government, not for any policymaker. I am here to cover the military community."

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Do not publish the news that is completely accurate, publish only this one. This has already been written by the Pentagon. That would be a red line.

The U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment when approached by CBS News.

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I am proud of the work that I and my colleagues have done at Stars and Stripes, especially over the past six months covering the protracted conflict in Iran. Military families and service members trust us to convey their experiences to the world, and I do not take that trust lightly.