# Pentagon dismissals of Stars and Stripes leadership

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pentagon-dismissals-of-stars-and-stripes-leadership
> Updated: 2026-08-22T00:24:28.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 2.

The Pentagon has dismissed several key leaders of Stars and Stripes, a newspaper serving U.S. military personnel, on charges of insubordination. The terminations include editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer Jr., and Middle East reporter Lara Korte.

Those dismissed indicated their removals were linked to their defense of editorial independence. Slavin noted the Pentagon cited insubordination after he described potential news censorship for service members as a ‘red line’ during a CBS interview. Korte stated her professional loyalty lies with the newspaper rather than the Pentagon. Lederer, who had planned to retire in September, cited fundamental differences in mission and leadership philosophy with the Department of Defense.

The dismissals follow reports by the publication regarding difficult conditions for Navy sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, the Department of Defense had previously expressed a desire to distance the newspaper from what it characterized as ‘woke distractions.’

Media advocacy groups, including the National Press Club, have criticized the Pentagon’s actions, characterizing the dismissals as an attempt to dictate military news coverage and raising concerns regarding press freedom and government interference in military journalism.

## Claims

- The Pentagon dismissed the leadership of Stars and Stripes on charges of insubordination. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Stars and Stripes is a military news outlet that is partially funded by the Pentagon but maintains editorial independence. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Erik Slavin stated that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a red line. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Reporter Lara Korte stated she was dismissed after telling a CBS reporter she works for the newspaper rather than the Pentagon or any administration. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Publisher Max Lederer stated his leadership philosophy and understanding of the newspaper's mission differed fundamentally from the Pentagon's direction. (corroborated by 8 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Pentagon dismisses Stars and Stripes leadership over insubordination

The Pentagon has fired the editor-in-chief, publisher, and a top reporter of Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination following public comments regarding editorial independence and potential censorship.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-dismisses-top-editors-of-stars-and-stripes-newspaper

### 2026-08-19: Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes editor, publisher, and reporter

The Pentagon has fired the editor-in-chief, publisher, and a Middle East reporter of Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination following interviews regarding editorial independence and potential censorship.

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-fires-stars-and-stripes-editor-in-chief-and-publisher

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Cite as: Pentagon dismissals of Stars and Stripes leadership. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pentagon-dismissals-of-stars-and-stripes-leadership