Stars and Stripes editor says he has been fired for insubordination after doing interview

The Pentagon has terminated the employment of Stars and Stripes' editor-in-chief, Erik Slavin, along with the newspaper's publisher, Max Lederer, and a reporter, Lara Korte, following an interview in which Slavin criticized potential military censorship of news for service members. According to Slavin, he was dismissed for insubordination after making remarks during a CBS interview that challenged the idea of such censorship. The firings occurred amid heightened tensions between the Trump administration and the media, particularly concerning Pentagon access for journalists and broader efforts to influence news coverage. Slavin confirmed that he and Lederer, who had served as publisher since 2007, were given formal separation notices. Korte, a Middle East correspondent, was also let go, reportedly over the same CBS interview. Lederer had previously announced plans to retire at the end of September, but Slavin indicated that the decision was not voluntary. Both Lederer and Korte declined to comment on their dismissals. The situation escalated earlier this year when the Pentagon appointed Navy Captain William Urban as a deputy publisher under Lederer without prior consultation. Three Democratic senators recently questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the appointment, citing concerns over the lack of transparency. Urban, who described himself as the current Military Deputy to the Publisher, stated he could not comment on his future role within the organization. Lederer, who had worked at Stars and Stripes for three decades, expressed in a staff memo that his leadership approach and views on the newspaper's mission diverged significantly from the Pentagon's directives. His departure follows the firing of Jacqueline Smith, the paper's ombudsman, in April, a role designed to protect editorial independence. These developments reflect the Pentagon's growing push to assert greater control over the publication, which has historically maintained a degree of autonomy despite receiving partial funding from the defense department. The controversy surrounding Stars and Stripes has intensified under the Trump administration's second term, marked by increased hostility toward the media and restrictions on Pentagon press access. The administration has also engaged in legal battles with major news organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and The New York Times, while leveraging the Federal Communications Commission to pressure broadcast networks. These actions align with broader efforts to reshape media narratives and reduce perceived ideological influences within the press. Slavin emphasized that he continues to support the principle of editorial independence for Stars and Stripes, despite his termination. He argued that the newspaper should remain free from government interference, even as the Pentagon seeks to impose more direct oversight. The firings raise questions about the future of journalistic freedom within military reporting and the extent to which the Defense Department will attempt to shape public perception through controlled messaging. The Pentagon has not officially commented on the reasons behind the dismissals, though officials have previously stated they aim to eliminate what they describe as "woke distractions." As the situation unfolds, the fate of Stars and Stripes remains uncertain, with uncertainty surrounding whether Urban will assume the role of publisher or if another individual will take charge. Meanwhile, the newspaper's staff continues to operate under the shadow of these changes, navigating a landscape increasingly shaped by political pressures and institutional shifts.