Stars and Stripes publisher retires amid Pentagon overhaul to eliminate 'woke distractions'

Published Aug 20, 12:57 PM UTC

Max D. Lederer Jr., the longtime publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement effective end of September, citing fundamental differences with the Pentagon's new direction under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The retirement follows the firing of ombudsman Jacqueline Smith, whose role was to protect editorial independence. The Pentagon, led by Hegseth, is overhauling the publication to focus on warfighting, weapons, and fitness, eliminating what it calls 'woke distractions.' A new deputy was reportedly installed without Lederer's knowledge, further threatening editorial independence. Stars and Stripes, partly funded by the Pentagon, has a legacy of independence. The changes are part of broader Pentagon efforts to control media coverage, including restricting journalist access and declaring press offices classified spaces.