Pentagon dismisses Stars and Stripes leadership after editor, reporter oppose military interference

The Pentagon dismissed Stars and Stripes' editor-in-chief, Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte for insubordination after they publicly objected to potential censorship by the U.S. military. The move also included the dismissal of publisher Max Lederer. Media leaders criticized these dismissals as attempts by the Pentagon to dictate coverage and undermine editorial independence.