Democrats sound alarm about a new leader in uniform at Stars and Stripes
Democrats say the placement of an active-duty public affairs officer could undermine the newspaper’s editorial independence, and they want Hegseth’s explanation by Aug. 28.
- On Thursday, Senate Democrats initiated a probe into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer as deputy to Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer without consultation.
- Lederer announced his retirement after 19 years, writing that his leadership philosophy and understanding of the outlet's mission differ fundamentally from the Department of Defense's current direction.
- The Pentagon fired the ombudsman earlier this year and instituted a 'pledge' requiring reporters to seek approval before publishing, raising concerns about editorial independence.
- Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Jeanne Shaheen demanded a detailed explanation by August 28 regarding the officer's duties, chain of command, and whether the appointment is temporary.
- For generations, service members have relied on the publication for credible, independent news, a standard the Senators warned must not be compromised during this critical Pentagon leadership transition.
6 Articles
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Senate Dems press Hegseth for answers on Stars and Stripes independence
A trio of Senate Democrats is expressing concern over the Pentagon’s involvement in the operations of Stars and Stripes, defending the publication’s independence in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday. Their inquiry follows an announcement this week that the military newspaper’s longtime publisher, Max Lederer, will be retiring after the Pentagon appointed…
Hegseth hit by probe threat as snitch accusations circulate at 'Stars and Stripes'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was given notice by Senate Democrats Thursday that they intend to launch a probe over his alleged misuse of active-duty personnel.The Democrats claim Hegseth installed loyalist inside Stars and Stripes, an independent news source that dates back to the Civil War, correspondent Scott McFarlane was among the first to report. “The placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer in the senior leadership of an organi…
Democrats sound alarm about a new leader in uniform at Stars and Stripes
An active-duty Navy captain was placed in leadership ahead of the publisher's resignation, sparking fears that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might gain control of the newspaper prized for its independence.
Democrats Sound Alarm About ‘Stars and Stripes’
“The longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes announced he’s stepping down weeks after the Pentagon installed an active-duty Navy captain at the military newspaper, an atypical appointment that staffers, board members and Democratic lawmakers say risks further eroding the publication’s independence from the government,” the Washington Post reports.
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