news 22 August 2026 Nile Post
Stars and Stripes Editor Fears Censorship After Dismissal
The editor-in-chief of the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes has expressed concerns about censorship following his dismissal for "insubordination." He believes the action is linked to comments made about the importance of an independent press. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/366029/us-military-newspaper-editor-voices-censorship-fears-after-being-fired
Erik Slavin, editor-in-chief of the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes, voiced fears of censorship after being fired by the Department of Defense (DoD). Slavin stated in an interview with the BBC that Pentagon officials seem increasingly unwilling to speak on the record.
He suspects his dismissal, along with that of reporter Lara Korte and publisher Max Lederer, stems from an interview where he hypothetically stated that “censorship would be a red line.” While the DoD cited “insubordination” for the firings, Slavin feels there’s a broader move towards controlling the narrative.
Stars and Stripes, despite partial DoD funding, has historically operated with editorial independence, a status protected by congressional mandate and DoD rules. The recent dismissals occur amidst heightened tensions between the Trump administration and the media.
Slavin, who had a 21-year tenure with the paper, indicated he received no official reason for his termination and is considering his options, noting he lacks an appeal process. He questioned if his firing was related to the paper’s reporting on conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been on an extended deployment.
This situation unfolds in a climate where the Pentagon has not held a press conference since May, and journalists have resisted attempts to interfere with their reporting. Lara Korte echoed these sentiments on X, lamenting the impact on service members who deserve a free and independent press.
The National Press Club president, Mark Schoeff Jr., decried the firing as a “brazen attempt by the Pentagon to dictate coverage of the military.”
Stars and Stripes reaches an average of 1.4 million people daily, primarily online, with printed editions available for military personnel in areas with limited internet access. This follows a pattern of friction, including news outlets rejecting a DoD policy that barred journalists from entering facilities unless they reported only officially sanctioned information, and past disputes over access and reporting terms.