Power Grab/Fire anyone who can stop him
The Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes’ publisher, editor-in-chief and Middle East reporter for “insubordination” after they objected to editorial interference
Stars and Stripes serves U.S. troops overseas and is editorially separate from the Defense Department by law, with an ombudsman who reports to Congress.
What happened
On August 21, 2026, the Pentagon fired three Stars and Stripes journalists for insubordination: publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. Lederer, who had led the paper since 2007, had already announced plans to retire in September. Slavin said his notice also cited an unauthorized July interview with CBS News.
The three had spoken publicly against Defense Department interference in the paper’s reporting, placing their duty to deliver independent news to service members above Pentagon orders. Earlier in 2026 the Pentagon had installed an active-duty Navy captain as military deputy to the publisher. Some reports linked the firings to coverage of conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
On August 27 the three sued the Pentagon and Secretary Pete Hegseth, and on August 28 they received a one-week reprieve. Press organizations condemned the firings as manipulation of independent reporting by Hegseth.
Who benefited
Hegseth and the Pentagon’s public-affairs apparatus removed the paper’s top editorial leadership and its reporter covering an active war theater. The administration had already restricted mainstream press access at the Pentagon and the White House.
Who wanted something
The Defense Department under Hegseth carried out the firings, and had earlier in 2026 moved to place a uniformed officer in the paper’s management. The White House’s wider posture toward critical coverage, including Trump’s lawsuits and the FCC’s license pressure, set the context.
Who lost out
Service members overseas lost the editor, publisher and war correspondent of their paper for insisting on independence. The three journalists were fired from civil-service posts and forced to sue. Congress’s guarantee of the paper’s editorial independence was overridden by executive action.
Why it matters
Congress set up Stars and Stripes so troops would get news their commanders do not control. The Pentagon fired its leadership for defending that principle during a war, in the department the paper sits inside.
Sources Associated PressWikipedia (citing NYT, CNN, Politico)