Pentagon moves to fire Stars and Stripes publisher and editor

The Pentagon has initiated the process to dismiss the publisher and editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military's news publication that receives taxpayer funding. Publisher Max Lederer and Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin received separation notices Friday, with five days to appeal the decision.

Insubordination was cited as the reason for their dismissals. Lederer, who has served as publisher for 19 years, had informed colleagues of his impending retirement on September 30, citing "fundamental differences" with the Trump administration's direction for the organization. Slavin has also publicly voiced disagreements with Pentagon leadership.

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It has become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.

Stars and Stripes has long championed editorial independence, providing critical information to military members and their families. Recently, the outlet, along with Military Times, reported on the mental health concerns and risk of self-harm among service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. These reports were downplayed or denied by Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and President Trump.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has spoken about modernizing Stars and Stripes and refocusing its content away from "woke distractions" to better serve service members. Approximately half of the newspaper's $29 million annual budget comes from taxpayers, and it reaches an average of 1.4 million people daily, including those in remote locations with limited internet access.

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bringing Stars and Stripes into the 21st century and efforts to "refocus its content away from woke distractions that syphon morale, and adapt it to serve a new generation of service members."