08/24/2026
TheWhiteHouseSpin.Com / SPIN PUBLISHING
Secretary Pete Hegseth of Defense has Dismissed Key Personnel from the Military Newspaper Stars and Stripes
Karen Ann Carr reporting
The current Secretary of Defense is Pete Hegseth, who has been in office since January 25, 2025, has fired the editor-in-chief, publisher, and a reporter of Stars and Stripes for insubordination after they publicly defended the newspaper's editorial independence against potential censorship by the Defense Department. This action reflects ongoing tensions between the Pentagon and the media under the current administration.
Secretary Hegseth officially attributed to alledged insubordination to:
Erik Slavin - Editor-in-chief
Max Lederer Jr. - Publisher
Lara Korte - Middle East reporter
The firings stem from the journalists' public defense of the newspaper's editorial independence. They expressed concerns about potential censorship by the Defense Department, which has been increasingly aggressive toward media coverage.
Erik Slavin stated that any attempt at censorship would be a "red line."
Lara Korte emphasized her commitment to covering the military community, not the Pentagon.
The dismissals occur amid a broader crackdown on press access and editorial independence at the Pentagon. This includes:
° Restrictions on journalists' access to military information.
° A shift in the newspaper's focus, as indicated by Pentagon officials, towards content that aligns more closely with military operations and away from what they term "woke distractions."
These actions have raised concerns among media leaders and advocates for press freedom. The National Press Club has described the firings as a troubling attempt by the Pentagon to control military coverage, which could undermine the role of independent journalism in serving military personnel and their families.
The Pentagon's new press policies significantly restrict media access and impose limitations on journalists' ability to gather information, which undermines press freedom and editorial independence. These changes have led to legal challenges, as many media organizations argue that they violate First Amendment rights.
Historically, there have been tensions between the Pentagon and Stars and Stripes over editorial independence, particularly regarding attempts by military leadership to influence or censor content. This has included past efforts to eliminate funding for the publication and instances of military officials interfering in editorial decisions, which led to congressional mandates to protect its independence.
