Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMax D. Lederer Jr., publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement effective at the end of September due to fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership (Getty)Max D. Lederer Jr., publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement effective at the end of September due to fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership. Lederer's exit follows the removal of ombudsman Jacqueline Smith amid efforts by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Pentagon to align editorial coverage with department messaging. Pentagon officials previously announced plans to refocus the newspaper on warfighting and military lethality while removing what they described as woke distractions. Rufus Friday, chairman of the publication's advisory board, warned congressional leaders that recent actions threaten the outlet's First Amendment-protected editorial independence. The leadership turnover comes alongside wider Pentagon initiatives to restrict media access, including a policy requiring escorts for reporters that is currently being challenged in court. In fullLongtime publisher of Stars and Stripes publication retires amid Pentagon clash over USS LincolnMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Stars and Stripes publisher quits amid Pentagon battle for editorial control
Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMax D. Lederer Jr., publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement effective at the end of September due to fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership (Getty)Max D. Lederer Jr., publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement effective at the end of September due to fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership. Lederer's exit follows the removal of ombudsman Jacqueline Smith amid efforts by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Pentagon to align editorial coverage with department messaging. Pentagon officials previously announced plans to refocus the newspaper on warfighting and military lethality while removing what they described as woke distractions. Rufus Friday, chairman of the publication's advisory board, warned congressional leaders that recent actions threaten the outlet's First Amendment-protected editorial independence. The leadership turnover comes alongside wider Pentagon initiatives to restrict media access, including a policy requiring escorts for reporters that is currently being challenged in court. In fullLongtime publisher of Stars and Stripes publication retires amid Pentagon clash over USS LincolnMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
