Pentagon officials considering firing longtime Stars and Stripes publisher, sources say

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 10:32 am

Jennifer Jacobs | CBS News

Washington — Pentagon officials have discussed firing the longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes before his scheduled retirement, U.S. officials told CBS News, as the Trump administration strategizes an overhaul of the military news outlet partly funded by American taxpayers.

Max Lederer, who has served as the publisher of Stars and Stripes for 19 years, this week announced to colleagues his decision to retire on Sept. 30, citing fundamental differences with the Trump administration. Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin has spoken publicly, including to CBS News, about disagreements with Pentagon leaders.

It was unclear when a decision on the news outlet's leadership would be made. Spokespeople for the Defense Department didn't immediately comment.

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Pentagon officials considering firing longtime Stars and Stripes publisher, sources say

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