Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes leaders after they criticize interference
The firings came after the paper, which is partially funded by the Pentagon but has long had editorial independence, reported on grim conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
On Friday, the Pentagon terminated the editor-in-chief, publisher, and reporter of Stars and Stripes, a newspaper covering the U.S. military since the Civil War. Erik Slavin, the editor-in-chief, was dismissed for "insubordination" following an interview where he discussed disagreements with the Department of Defense. Max Lederer, who had been the publisher since 2007 and had announced his retirement, was also fired.
Additionally, reporter Lara Korte was terminated, stating she was being fired for insubordination after informing a CBS reporter that she works for Stars and Stripes, not the Pentagon or any administration. The firings followed the newspaper's publication of grim conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which prompted criticism of President Donald Trump's war against Iran.
Slavin had previously criticized Pentagon editorial interference, stating that running a perfectly accurate story is a red line he would not cross. Lederer announced his retirement on Tuesday, to take effect September 30, citing fundamental differences in philosophy and understanding of Stars and Stripes' mission from the Pentagon's plans for the organization.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been vocal in his criticism of the media since assuming office in 2025, and the independence of Stars and Stripes and other military media has been under threat.
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