Key facts
- Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin for insubordination.
- Slavin stated the dismissal followed an interview where he defended editorial independence.
- Publisher Max Lederer and reporter Lara Korte also received separation notices.
- Lederer cited fundamental differences in leadership philosophy with the Department of Defense.
- Navy Capt. William Urban was installed as deputy publisher without Lederer's knowledge.
The Pentagon has dismissed Erik Slavin, the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, along with the newspaper's publisher and a reporter, citing insubordination. Slavin stated his termination stemmed from an interview in which he defended the military newspaper's editorial independence and objected to potential censorship.
Slavin, who received a notice of separation along with publisher Max Lederer and reporter Lara Korte, said he stands by his principle that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent. He specifically mentioned stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would be a "red line."
Lederer, who had been with the publication for three decades and served as publisher since 2007, also received a separation notice. In a staff memo, Lederer indicated that his leadership philosophy and understanding of the newspaper's mission differed fundamentally from the direction set by the Department of Defense leadership. His departure follows the Pentagon's installation of an active duty service member, Navy Capt. William Urban, as deputy publisher without Lederer's prior knowledge.
Three Democratic senators have written to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seeking an explanation for Urban's appointment. The Pentagon's recent actions, including the installation of Urban and the firing of Slavin, Korte, and previously ombudsman Jacqueline Smith in April, suggest an increased effort by the Defense Department to exert editorial control over the publication.