Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes

Updated on: August 21, 2026 / 7:47 PM EDT / CBS News

Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes

TL;DR

  • The Pentagon has moved to fire Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte.
  • The stated reason for dismissal is insubordination, allegedly stemming from interviews with CBS News.
  • Slavin and Korte stated the insubordination charge is linked to their defense of Stars and Stripes' editorial independence.
  • Publisher Max Lederer had previously expressed fundamental differences with the Trump administration and planned to retire.
  • Stars and Stripes, partly taxpayer-funded, has a history of reporting on challenging military conditions and prides itself on editorial independence.
  • Pentagon officials have discussed "refocusing its content away from woke distractions" and modernizing operations.