In a significant shake-up, the Pentagon has dismissed the editor-in-chief and publisher of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, a long-standing publication that has reported on the U.S. military since the Civil War. The decision comes amid growing tensions over editorial independence and the Department of Defense's attempts to influence the newspaper's coverage.

Erik Slavin, the editor-in-chief, confirmed to CBS News that he was fired for what the Pentagon termed 'insubordination.' This followed an interview where he expressed concerns about the Department of Defense's efforts to steer the newspaper's reporting away from what officials referred to as 'woke distractions.' Slavin's comments highlighted a broader struggle within the military media landscape regarding editorial freedom.

Alongside Slavin, Max Lederer, who has served as the publisher since 2007, was also terminated just days after announcing his retirement. According to CBS, Lederer had planned to step down at the end of September but was informed of his immediate dismissal. He cited fundamental disagreements with the Pentagon's vision for Stars and Stripes as a reason for his retirement announcement.

The firings occurred shortly after the newspaper published a critical report detailing poor living conditions for crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. This report, which coincided with heightened military tensions in the Middle East, drew renewed scrutiny of President Trump’s military policies. The aircraft carrier had been deployed prior to the onset of the conflict in February, and the Pentagon's recent announcement of a new carrier strike group in the region further fueled the controversy.

Stars and Stripes reporter Lara Korte also reported her dismissal on social media, stating she was let go for insubordination after asserting her commitment to the publication’s independence. She emphasized that her allegiance lies with Stars and Stripes, not the Pentagon or any political administration.

The recent changes at Stars and Stripes reflect a troubling trend under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has been openly critical of the media since taking office in 2025. Concerns have been raised about the erosion of editorial independence for military publications, particularly following the appointment of active-duty U.S. Navy Captain William Urban as military deputy to the publisher.

The firings have sparked outrage among journalists and lawmakers alike, who view these actions as a direct threat to the freedom of the press within military contexts. As the Pentagon continues to grapple with its relationship with military media, the future of Stars and Stripes remains uncertain, with advocates for press freedom calling for a reaffirmation of the publication’s autonomy.