The Pentagon has been accused of attempting to stifle free speech after a fired editor for military newspaper Stars and Stripes said he was ousted after objecting to censorship. The newspaper is an important source of military news and has a long history of editorial independence from the Pentagon, which does provide funding for the outlet. In fact, Congress mandated its editorial independence in 1991, when it created an ombudsman position to ensure its reporting remained independent from Pentagon leadership.
But earlier this year, the Pentagon fired the ombudsman, Jacqueline Smith, fueling concerns about the future of the newspaper’s independence. The moves from President Donald Trump’s administration have sparked similar questions about whether the outlet will remain independent from military leadership and broader questions about free speech and freedom of the press. "I stand by the principle that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent, as required by law and by the department's own policies." Meanwhile, Lara Korte, a reporter for the newspaper, wrote in a post to X that she was also fired for insubordination after telling a CBS News reporter that she worked “for Stars and Stripes – not the Pentagon, not any administration, and not any policy maker.” In her post, she called attention to the concerns around free speech.
It’s a shame for the institution and service members, who swore to defend the Constitution and deserve the right to a free and independent press,” she wrote. Earlier this week, longtime Stars and Stripes publisher Max D. Lederer Jr. announced his retirement, citing differences with Pentagon leadership.
He wrote in a memo to staff it had “become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.” Newsweek has reached out to Slavin via his LinkedIn page on Friday afternoon for comment. Creely of FIRE also told Newsweek that the firings are “just the latest attack from this administration on our free speech.” “The First Amendment protects freedom of the press for a reason. This administration time and again has gone after our independent and free press for reporting that they don’t like, for views that they would rather not hear and for trying to keep the public informed,” he said.
They can handle a free and independent press. In fact, they deserve it. Stars and Stripes has long enjoyed editorial independence.
It should retain that editorial independence to stay true to the constitutional values our servicemembers take an oath to defend,” he said. Others have also assailed the Pentagon, accusing it of attempting to control the narrative. They lie about the conditions of the troops.
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