Friday, August 21, 2026 - The Pentagon has fired Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer and Middle East reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination in a move that has intensified concerns over editorial independence at the U.S. military newspaper.
Slavin said he was dismissed after participating in a CBS interview in which he argued that censorship of news intended for service members would cross a personal red line.
The dismissals come as tensions between the Pentagon and Stars and Stripes have escalated over the publication's editorial direction.
The newspaper has faced increasing pressure from Defense Department leadership, including efforts to reshape its coverage, while its longtime publisher had announced plans to retire amid disagreements with the Pentagon.
The latest firings have triggered fresh warnings about press freedom and the right of military personnel to receive independent news.
Critics say removing senior journalists after they publicly defended editorial independence could further weaken safeguards around military journalism, putting the future of independent reporting at Stars and Stripes under intense scrutiny.
0 Comments