Pete Hegseth faces low approval and editorial scrutiny at Pentagon

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing significant challenges regarding both public approval and the editorial independence of the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. A Quinnipiac University poll indicates Hegseth has reached a record low approval rating of 32 percent, with 57 percent of respondents expressing disapproval. Additionally, only 39 percent of those polled expressed confidence in the U.S. military under his leadership.

In response to the polling, the Pentagon issued a statement defending Hegseth, claiming he has “slashed bureaucracy, unleashed innovation, and delivered for our warfighters.”

Simultaneously, the Pentagon has implemented changes affecting Stars and Stripes. The department rescinded a long-standing directive prohibiting military censorship and the withholding of unfavorable news. Following this, the Pentagon banned Associated Press reprints and comic strips. Recent personnel changes include the dismissal of the paper’s ombudsman, correspondent Lara Korte, editor in chief Erik Slavin, and publisher Max Lederer.