Pentagon Fires Stars and Stripes Leadership Over Insubordination

The United States Department of Defense fired the editor-in-chief, publisher, and a Middle East correspondent of Stars and Stripes on Friday. The Pentagon cited insubordination and unauthorized media appearances as the reasons for the terminations of Erik Slavin, Max Lederer, and Lara Korte.

The dismissals followed a CBS News interview in which Slavin and Korte discussed editorial interference. During the interview, Slavin identified Pentagon-written stories as a red line for censorship. These firings occur as the Department of Defense attempts to steer the publication away from woke distractions and ensure content aligns with military good order and discipline.

The action follows a Stars and Stripes report on grim conditions for crewmembers aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which drew criticism of President Donald Trump's war against Iran. The Department of Defense has previously rescinded regulations emphasizing editorial integrity and fired the publication's internal editorial watchdog, Jacqueline Smith, who is currently suing the agency over First Amendment violations.