Erik Slavin, editor-in-chief of the Pentagon's military newspaper Stars and Stripes, announced on 21/8 that he was fired for "insubordination." This followed an interview with CBS News where he discussed disagreements with the oversight agency. Lara Korte, a Stars and Stripes reporter, also stated she was fired by the Pentagon for a similar reason. She had told CBS News, "I work for the newspaper, not for the Pentagon, the administration, or policymakers."

Erik Slavin (left) and Lara Korte (right). *Photo: Stars and Stripes, Politico*

The Pentagon also issued a termination notice to publisher Max Lederer, citing insubordination. Lederer had announced his resignation this week, previously expressing disagreement with decisions from senior Pentagon leadership. Two sources familiar with the situation told the Washington Post that before Lederer's termination, Pentagon official Andrew Brey emailed the publisher, demanding Slavin and Korte be fired for their CBS News interview.

Earlier, the Pentagon had announced its intention to reorient Stars and Stripes' content, aiming to distance it from "distracting woke issues." "Woke" is a term commonly used in the US, referring to increased awareness of societal biases such as: racism, sexism, or discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pentagon headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, US on 15/7. *Photo: AP*

These terminations came days after Stars and Stripes reported on the challenging living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. This report had ignited fresh criticism against US President Donald Trump concerning the Iran attack campaign.

Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper established in 1861, receives Pentagon funding while maintaining editorial independence. A memorandum issued in March prohibited the paper from using sources like AP and mandated that its content "ensure content aligns with order and discipline" within the military.

This month, the Pentagon appointed Navy Colonel William Urban as Stars and Stripes' deputy publisher without consulting Lederer. On 20/8, a group of Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, expressing concern about this action.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Washington Post, AP)