Pentagon Issues Separation Notices to Publisher and Editor of Stars and Stripes

The Pentagon has issued separation notices to Publisher Max Lederer and Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin of Stars and Stripes, a military news outlet partially funded by U.S. taxpayers. The notices were delivered on Friday and provide the two executives with five days to appeal their dismissals. The cited reason for their separation is insubordination, although specific details were not disclosed. Lederer, who has been with Stars and Stripes for 19 years, announced his retirement effective September 30, citing fundamental differences with the Trump administration. Slavin has publicly expressed disagreements with Pentagon leadership. In a note to staff, Lederer indicated a divergence in leadership philosophy and the mission of Stars and Stripes compared to the Department of Defense's direction. Stars and Stripes has served military personnel and their families for decades and maintains a commitment to editorial independence. Recently, it reported on concerns regarding mental health aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which were downplayed by Pentagon officials. Approximately half of Stars and Stripes' $29 million annual budget is funded by taxpayers, and it has an average daily readership of 1.4 million. The Chief Pentagon spokesman has mentioned plans to modernize the outlet's content to better serve current service members.