Kathmandu— Three journalists from Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper, have filed suit against the U.S. Department of Defense alleging that their recent firings were part of an effort to undermine the paper’s editorial independence and infringe upon their First Amendment rights to free speech. Publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte received termination notices from the Pentagon last week, accused of insubordination after raising concerns about potential censorship. The lawsuit claims these actions represent “extraordinary censorship efforts” by the department and its leaders, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, to control coverage and punish journalists for speaking out as private citizens.

Background on Stars and Stripes

Stars and Stripes has long maintained a reputation as an independent news source for military personnel, despite receiving government funding. However, recent actions by the Pentagon have raised questions about its commitment to upholding that independence. In January, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the department would refocus the newspaper’s content “to its original mission: reporting for our warfighters,” aiming to prioritize coverage of warfighting, weapons systems, and military fitness.

CBS Interview Sparks Controversy

The lawsuit identifies a July interview on CBS Sunday Morning as a key point of contention. During the segment, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin defended the need for independent reporting, stating, “If we can’t do that, if we were turned into something other than that, if we were public relations, that’s the foxhole.” This stance reportedly drew criticism from within the Pentagon and ultimately contributed to the decision to terminate the journalists' employment.

Reporting on USS Abraham Lincoln

The lawsuit also highlights the newspaper’s reporting on deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Stars and Stripes was among the first media outlets to report on supply shortages and mental health challenges faced by sailors during a prolonged deployment without port stops. Both President Trump and Secretary Hegseth reportedly dismissed these reports as “fake,” suggesting that the coverage may have been a factor in the subsequent firings. The Defense Department allegedly contacted Lederer, requesting he fire Korte and Slavin following publication of the article.

Pattern of Interference

The recent terminations are not isolated incidents. In April, Jacqueline Smith, the newspaper’s ombudsman—a role dedicated to safeguarding its independence—was also fired. The lawsuit asserts that defense officials have historically affirmed Stars and Stripes' freedom from interference, emphasizing its “historical editorial independence” as critical to providing unbiased journalism to the military community. Lederer announced his intention to retire in September, citing disagreements with the Department of Defense’s direction for the organization.

Journalists Fight Back

Lara Korte shared her motivation for filing the lawsuit on social media, stating, “Everyone deserves the right to a free and independent press, especially our service members. This lawsuit is about safeguarding the mission of Stars and Stripes journalists so they can continue to do their jobs without fear or retaliation.” The case will be heard in district court in Washington, DC.

The legal battle represents the latest challenge under the Trump administration involving lawsuits against the executive branch for allegedly penalizing reporters who dissent from official viewpoints. A ruling on the case is pending.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.