Stars and Stripes Staff Sue Pentagon Over Firings

Aug 28, 2026

57 min

Aug 28, 2026 00:30

Stars and Stripes publisher, editor and reporter sue Pentagon to challenge their firings

## Legal Action Against Pentagon

Three key figures from the military news outlet Stars and Stripes have filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, challenging their recent dismissals. The plaintiffs, publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte, claim their First Amendment rights were violated.

## Allegations of Retaliation

The lawsuit, filed in Washington, DC, accuses the Pentagon of retaliating against the staff for their journalistic work. Slavin and Korte were reportedly dismissed following an interview with CBS News where they criticized potential censorship by the military. The lawsuit also mentions their report on poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as a factor in their firing.

## Editorial Independence at Stake

Stars and Stripes has historically maintained editorial independence, which the plaintiffs argue is crucial for providing unbiased journalism to the military community. Lederer's dismissal came shortly after he announced his retirement, with a new deputy publisher being appointed without his knowledge.

## Legal Representation and Defendants

The plaintiffs are represented by several legal organizations, including the Democracy Defenders Fund and the Government Accountability Project. The lawsuit names the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as defendants.

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