Kathmandu— The Pentagon fired the top three leaders of Stars and Stripes, the military's independent news organization, on Friday following public criticism of what they described as attempts to censor editorial content. Editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte each received notices of separation citing insubordination, after speaking out against policies that they believed undermined the newspaper’s legal requirement for editorial independence. Established during the Civil War in 1861, Stars and Stripes serves approximately 1.4 million readers daily through its print and online platforms, providing news to American troops worldwide.

Growing Concerns Over Censorship

Slavin stated he was terminated for voicing his opposition to hypothetical censorship of news intended for service members during a CBS interview. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence, as mandated by both law and Pentagon policies. Korte echoed these concerns, explaining that she was dismissed after clarifying in the same CBS interview that her allegiance lay with Stars and Stripes—not the Pentagon, any administration, or policymakers.

Longstanding Disputes With Defense Department

The firings follow a pattern of conflict between Stars and Stripes leadership and Pentagon officials. Jacqueline Smith, the publication’s ombudsman responsible for safeguarding editorial independence, was fired in January after publishing an article critical of Pentagon press restrictions; she subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging retaliatory dismissal. Lederer, who had served as publisher for 19 years and planned to retire in September, cited fundamental disagreements with the Pentagon leadership regarding the newspaper’s mission in his resignation letter.

Recent Reporting Sparked Controversy

In an interview published July 5, the journalists criticized efforts to eliminate what the Pentagon labeled “woke distractions” from the paper and changes to regulations guaranteeing its independence. Slavin also revealed that his team had been restricted from using paid wire services like AP, hindering their ability to cover breaking news effectively. Stars and Stripes recently reported on deteriorating living conditions and low morale aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during a prolonged deployment near Iran, as well as ammunition shortages.

Political Context and Pentagon Priorities

The actions come amid broader tensions between the Trump administration and media outlets, with President Trump repeatedly accusing news organizations of spreading “fake news.” Pete Hegseth, identified in the report as the War Secretary, has publicly committed to removing “woke culture” from the military and restoring what he terms a “warrior spirit.” The Pentagon’s stated goal is to refocus Stars and Stripes on content that boosts morale and aligns with its priorities.

The future of Stars and Stripes remains uncertain following these leadership changes, though the newspaper continues to publish. It is unclear whether the Defense Department will appoint new leaders who share its vision for the publication.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.