Pentagon Fires Stars and Stripes Editors, Publisher

The Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination after interviews in which they criticized Pentagon interference and defended editorial independence. Lederer, who had announced retirement, was also dismissed, signaling a leadership shakeup at the government-funded paper that has historically reported independently on the U.S. military. Slavin and Korte had publicly objected to censorship or directions from Pentagon leadership, with Slavin describing censorship as a red line, a stance the department disputes in its firing notices. The removals follow reporting on hardships aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and ongoing coverage of the Iran-related conflict and personnel issues, highlighting concerns about editorial liberty. Pentagon officials and newsroom leadership say the move seeks high-quality, independently reported journalism, while critics warn it threatens independence and funding model. The episode reflects ongoing tensions between government oversight and a historically independent military news outlet and raises questions about Stars and Stripes' future governance and funding.