In brief
Erik Slavin, the long‑time editor‑in‑chief of Stars & Stripes, was fired by the U.S. Department of Defense after testimony that hinted at a growing censorship threat. The dismissal, described as "insubordination," sparked criticism from media watchdogs who say the Pentagon is tightening control over reporting. Slavin’s comments come amid a broader clash between the Trump administration and the press, with several major outlets refusing to comply with new reporting restrictions. The incident highlights the fragile trade‑off between national security and a free, independent military press.
Former editor‑in‑chief of the U.S. military newspaper Stars & Stripes Erik Slavin says he was fired by the Department of Defense because he questioned whether the Pentagon was creeping into censorship.
After a CBS interview last month, Pentagon officials described Slavin’s remarks as "insubordination" and removed him, along with publisher Max Lederer and reporter Lara Korte, from their posts. The agency only said it would not comment.
Slavin’s comments follow a tense period between the Trump administration and mainstream media. Earlier this year, a new Pentagon rule barred journalists from entering certain press rooms unless they only reported officially approved information. Big outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN and BBC declined to adopt the rule.
The move also comes as the USS Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 240 days at sea, with crew families reporting worries over mental health and incidents like sailors attempting to jump overboard. Slavin’s dismissal was highlighted by the National Press Club, which called it a “brazen attempt by the Pentagon to dictate coverage of the military.”
With roughly 1.4 million readers daily, Stars & Stripes remains key news for U.S. overseas troops, still printing copies for those without reliable internet. The controversy illustrates the delicate balance between national security and an independent military press.
