The Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and reporter Lara Korte for insubordination following a CBS interview where they defended the military publication’s editorial independence, according to statements from the journalists and the Associated Press. The terminations mark an escalation in the Department of Defense’s aggressive posture toward independent journalism under the administration, coinciding with restrictions on press access and friction over editorial control.
Pentagon Ousts Stars and Stripes Editor and Reporter
According to Erik Slavin, he received a termination notice alongside longtime publisher Max Lederer—who had announced his retirement—and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. Slavin stated to the Associated Press that he was fired for insubordination after telling CBS that hypothetical censorship of news for military personnel would represent a red line. Korte posted on X that the Department of Defense dismissed her after she informed a CBS interviewer that she worked for Stars and Stripes rather than the Pentagon or political decision-makers. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. called Slavin’s termination a blatant attempt by the Pentagon to dictate military news coverage, demanding an immediate reversal according to Associated Press reports.
Tensions Over Editorial Control and Press Freedom
According to Associated Press reporting, the firings arrive as the administration restricts press access to the Pentagon and challenges major outlets including the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, and the New York Times in court and through the Federal Communications Commission. The friction at Stars and Stripes intensified after the Pentagon appointed active-duty Navy Captain William Urban as deputy editor without publisher Max Lederer’s knowledge. Lederer subsequently announced his retirement in a staff note, stating his leadership philosophy differed fundamentally from the direction desired by Defense Department leadership. According to the Washington Post, applicants for positions at the outlet are now questioned regarding their support for administration political priorities, though Slavin told NBC News that the publication does not ask about political support during job interviews.
Did you know? Stars and Stripes was established during the American Civil War in 1861 to inform deployed troops, operating with institutional independence for over a century while receiving partial funding from the Pentagon.
Recent Overhauls and the New Editorial Direction
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell’s statements on X, the Department of Defense aims to modernize the publication and eliminate what it calls woke distractions, refocusing content on combat operations, weapon systems, physical fitness, lethality, and survival. In April, the Pentagon fired Jacqueline Smith, the newspaper’s ombudsman tasked with safeguarding editorial independence. Meanwhile, newly appointed military deputy editor Captain William Urban stated in a letter published on the Stars and Stripes website that he is committed to editorially independent journalism serving military families and communities. PEN America representative Tim Richardson criticized the developments in a statement reported, warning that the Pentagons actions risk transforming an independent newsroom into a vehicle for political propaganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was fired from Stars and Stripes?
According to the Associated Press, the Pentagon fired editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, Middle East reporter Lara Korte, and publisher Max Lederer, who had previously announced his retirement.
Why were the journalists terminated?
According to Erik Slavin and Lara Korte, they were dismissed for insubordination after appearing in a CBS interview where they defended the independent journalistic mission of Stars and Stripes against potential military censorship.
Who is Captain William Urban?
Captain William Urban is an active-duty Navy officer appointed by the Pentagon as the deputy editor at Stars and Stripes, a move that preceded the departure of longtime publisher Max Lederer and subsequent staff terminations.
What changes is the Pentagon making to the publication?
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the publication will refocus its coverage strictly on combat operations, weapon systems, and military readiness while dropping Washington gossip columns and outside wire service copy.
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