Editor of US newspaper Stars and Stripes reportedly fired under Trump

Max Lederer and Erik Slavin, the publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes, have been terminated from their positions following the outlet's reporting on crew conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The reason cited for their dismissals was insubordination. Slavin stated on CBS that his firing was in response to expressing concerns about hypothetical censorship of news for service members, which he described as a red line.

He reiterated his commitment to maintaining Stars and Stripes' editorial independence. Reporter Lara Korte was also fired for insubordination for previously stating that her work for the outlet did not mean she worked for the Pentagon or any administration. Lederer, who has been the publisher for 19 years, cited fundamental disagreements with the Department of Defense's direction and mission in a letter to staff.

The dismissals occurred following the outlet's reporting on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has sparked controversy among military health experts. The Pentagon had reportedly considered firing Lederer prior to his planned retirement in September. The outlet's reports on the Lincoln's conditions, published on August 12, coincided with similar coverage in the Navy Times.

The ongoing conflict between Stars and Stripes and the Trump administration stems from disagreements over the newspaper's reporting, which has at times clashed with the administration's priorities. The Trump-led Pentagon has been combative with the press covering it, restricting access and demanding journalists refrain from seeking confidential sources.

This led to reporters withdrawing their access badges instead of complying with these demands, setting the stage for a surge of right-wing media figures at the Pentagon and a legal challenge.