Pentagon fires Stars & Stripes publisher and editor
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The gist
Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes editor Erik Slavin and publisher Max Lederer for insubordination. The firings threaten the military paper's editorial independence amid a Pentagon overhaul.
Background
Stars and Stripes, a U.S. military newspaper partly funded by taxpayers, has a long tradition of editorial independence. The Pentagon has been pushing a modernization plan announced in March, which included shifting to digital and cutting print, and has sought to exert more control over the outlet. Publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement this week, citing fundamental differences with the Pentagon's direction, and the Pentagon then fired him and editor Erik Slavin, along with reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2026Pentagon reveals modernization plan for Stars and Stripes, including digital transition.
- Apr 2026Pentagon fires ombudsman Jacqueline Smith after she criticized the overhaul; she later sues.
- Aug 19, 2026Publisher Max Lederer announces retirement effective Sept. 30, citing fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership.
- Aug 20, 2026CBS News reports Pentagon officials discussed firing Lederer before his retirement.
- Aug 21, 2026Pentagon delivers separation notices to Lederer, editor Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination; they have five days to appeal.
Who’s saying what
- Pentagon
- The firings were for insubordination, part of an effort to modernize the newspaper and eliminate what it calls 'woke distractions.'
- Editor
- Erik Slavin said his firing was for stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would be a red line.
- Publisher
- Max Lederer said his understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes diverged fundamentally from the Pentagon's plans.
- Advisory Board
- Rufus Friday, chair of the advisory board, warned that a new deputy installed by the Pentagon threatens the paper's editorial independence.
Still unverified
The Pentagon's specific reason for firing Lara Korte is not detailed beyond insubordination; the claim that a new deputy was installed without Lederer's knowledge is unconfirmed by Stars and Stripes.