Publisher of US military newspaper resigns over differences with government | Donald Trump News
Publisher of Stars and Stripes Resigns Amid Disputes with Defense Department
Max D. Lederer Jr., the longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes, has announced his resignation, citing ongoing disagreements with the leadership of the U.S. Department of Defense. In a memo distributed to staff on Tuesday, Lederer outlined his decision and later addressed the situation in an interview with the newspaper.
Lederer indicated that his leadership philosophy and understanding of Stars and Stripes‘ mission diverge significantly from the current direction set by Defense Department officials. He stated in the memo, “It has become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.”
This announcement follows accusations from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who criticized Stars and Stripes for what he termed “woke distractions.” The publication has faced scrutiny from the Trump administration for its reporting on issues such as declining morale and poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has been engaged in U.S. military operations against Iran.
Founded in 1861, Stars and Stripes has played a crucial role in serving the U.S. military community for over a century. Although it receives a significant portion of its funding from the federal government, the publication has historically aimed to maintain its editorial independence.
Critics assert that pressure on the newspaper has intensified in recent years. During President Trump’s first term, efforts were made to eliminate the publication’s funding; however, Trump later pledged to sustain its budget, calling it “a wonderful source of information to our Great Military.”
In January, the Defense Department announced initiatives to align Stars and Stripes more closely with the government’s priorities. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described the effort as a means of “returning Stars and Stripes to its original mission: reporting for our warfighters.”
Additionally, the termination of Jacqueline Smith, the newspaper’s ombudsman responsible for safeguarding its editorial independence, elicited widespread concern about the potential erosion of press freedoms. In a column responding to her dismissal, Smith remarked, “No one should be surprised that they’re kicking out the one person charged by Congress with protecting Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence.”
Hegseth, who has managed restrictions on journalist access to the Pentagon, has labeled policies associated with “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI) as detrimental to military effectiveness. The Pentagon is currently engaged in military operations against Iran, which have raised significant domestic opposition and highlighted strains on U.S. military resources.
Stars and Stripes has been among the few military publications to report on issues of morale and the well-being of service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which set a record for the longest naval deployment without a port call, having left port in November before being redirected to conflict zones.
Ongoing tensions regarding military reporting have prompted reactions from President Trump and his supporters, who have disparaged journalists for critical coverage of military operations, labeling them as detractors of the country.
