Pentagon dismisses Stars & Stripes editor-in-chief, publisher and reporter
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The Department of Defense terminated the editor-in-chief of Stars & Stripes, its publisher and a reporter, citing insubordination after the editor criticized potential military censorship in a CBS interview.
The Pentagon announced Friday that it had issued separation notices to Erik Slavin, the editor-in-chief of the military newspaper Stars & Stripes, its publisher Max Lederer and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. Slavin said he was dismissed for "insubordination" after stating in a CBS interview that any hypothetical censorship of news for service members would cross a "red line" and affirmed his belief that the paper must remain editorially independent.
Lederer, who announced his retirement earlier in the month, also received a separation notice. He had served at Stars & Stripes for three decades and as publisher since 2007. A staff memo from Lederer said his leadership philosophy and view of the paper's mission differed fundamentally from the Department of Defense's direction.
The newspaper, which receives partial funding from the Pentagon, has a long history of editorial independence. In April, the Pentagon also terminated Jacqueline Smith, the paper's ombudsman tasked with protecting that independence.
The changes follow the recent appointment of Navy Capt. William Urban as a deputy publisher, a move made without Lederer's prior knowledge. Three Democratic senators have written to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting an explanation for Urban's appointment. Urban declined to comment on his future role.
"I am currently the Military Deputy to the Publisher. I can’t comment on what my role will be in the future," Urban said in an email to the Associated Press.
The dismissals occur amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and major news outlets, with the Pentagon reportedly tightening press access and seeking greater editorial control over the newspaper.