Pentagon sacks military newspaper chiefs over editorial freedom row

The Pentagon has terminated the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military's independent newspaper, escalating a dispute over editorial freedom. Erik Slavin, the editor-in-chief, and Max Lederer, the publisher, were dismissed following disagreements with the Department of Defense regarding the newspaper's content and direction.

Slavin stated he was fired for "insubordination" after speaking with CBS News about the conflicts. The Department of Defense has previously expressed a desire to move the publication's coverage away from what it terms "woke distractions." Reporter Lara Korte also announced her termination, citing insubordination for stating she worked for Stars and Stripes, not the Pentagon.

The dismissals occurred shortly after Stars and Stripes published a report detailing difficult conditions for crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. This story drew renewed criticism of President Donald Trump's stance on the conflict with Iran. The aircraft carrier had been deployed prior to the Middle East war's commencement in February.

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Don't run a perfectly accurate story, run this instead. Here it is, written by the Pentagon. That would be a red line.

This action follows recent tensions, including Slavin's public pushback against Pentagon editorial interference. He previously stated that being told "Don't run a perfectly accurate story, run this instead. Here it is, written by the Pentagon" would constitute a red line. Lederer had announced his retirement, citing fundamental differences in leadership philosophy and understanding of the newspaper's mission compared to the Pentagon's plans.

Under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has been critical of the media, the independence of Stars and Stripes and other military publications has faced increased scrutiny. The recent installation of an active duty Navy captain as military deputy to the publisher has been interpreted by some, including Democratic lawmakers, as an attempt to erode the publication's autonomy.

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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 any administration, and not any policy maker.