Pentagon Fires Top Editors of Military Newspaper
The Pentagon has dismissed the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military newspaper, citing insubordination. Erik Slavin, the editor, and Max Lederer, the publisher, received termination notices on Friday, according to CBS News. They have five days to appeal. The outlet's Middle East reporter, Lara Korte, was also fired for the same reason.[S1][S3]
Slavin told the BBC he was concerned about censorship, noting that Pentagon officials seem increasingly reluctant to speak on the record. He believes his firing stems from a CBS interview where he stated that hypothetical censorship would be a red line. Korte echoed that her dismissal relates to comments she made to CBS, where she emphasized her work was not for the Pentagon or any administration.[S1][S3]
Reporting on USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Conditions
The firings of Stars and Stripes' editor and publisher occurred just days following the publication of a story detailing the welfare of crew members on the USS Abraham Lincoln. This aircraft carrier has been operating in the Gulf for over 240 days. The article shed light on mental health worries, including instances of sailors trying to jump ship. Soon after, the carrier set sail for San Diego, concluding its prolonged mission in the Middle East.[S1][S3]
Slavin said he did not know if his firing was linked to that reporting, but noted the Pentagon has not held a press conference since May. The outlet's reporting has drawn attention from military health experts, and President Trump dismissed concerns, saying the deployment was 'not nearly long enough'.[S1][S3]
Broader Tensions Between Pentagon and Press
These dismissals come at a time of heightened conflict between the Trump administration and the press. In October, prominent news organizations refused to comply with a rule that would prevent journalists from accessing the Pentagon unless they reported solely on officially sanctioned information. Previously, the White House had assumed control of the press pool, and a judge mandated that the administration reinstate the Associated Press's attendance at presidential events.[S2]
The Stars and Stripes newspaper has maintained editorial freedom, thanks to a congressional mandate, despite receiving some financial support from the Pentagon. The president of the National Press Club criticized the Pentagon's move, stating it was a bold effort to control military-related news. With approximately 1.4 million daily readers, primarily online, the publication continues to cater to troops in regions with unstable internet access by providing a printed version.[S1]
