Three Stars and Stripes Staffers Sue Pentagon Over Military Newsroom Firing
On August 28, 2026, three Stars and Stripes staffers filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon in federal court, challenging recent firings at the military news outlet. The complaint, filed by publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte, argues that these actions undermine the newspaper's editorial independence. The lawsuit cites a CBS News segment discussing editorial freedom at Stars and Stripes, which was published under the Trump administration. The Pentagon, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials, is defending against the allegations. The lawsuit highlights concerns over potential retaliation for reporting on military conditions, particularly following an August 11 report about the USS Abraham Lincoln.