Former Stars and Stripes staff sue Pentagon officials over alleged censorship

In Washington, three former Stars and Stripes journalists have initiated legal action against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, asserting that their recent terminations violated constitutional and statutory protections. Publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and reporter Lara Korte were each served with separation notices last week, officially labeled as insubordination.

Slavin and Korte argue that the alleged misconduct relates to July one outlet's interviews where they argued for the outlet’s independence despite its partial taxpayer funding. The complaint alleges the firings were retaliation for their public advocacy of press freedom and for coverage of activities on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. It seeks an injunction to halt what the suit calls the Department of Defense’s extraordinary censorship. One outlet has been reached for a response, and the case remains pending.