Senate Democrats probe Defense Secretary Hegseth over alleged meddling in Stars and Stripes

Published Aug 20, 07:04 PM UTC

Senate Democrats, led by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Jeanne Shaheen, have launched a probe into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the alleged placement of an active-duty Public Affairs officer as a deputy to the publisher of Stars and Stripes, the independent military newspaper. The senators sent a letter to Hegseth on August 20, 2026, demanding a detailed explanation by August 28. The move follows the retirement of longtime publisher Max Lederer, who cited fundamental differences with the Department of Defense's plans for the outlet. The senators argue that the assignment compromises the newspaper's editorial independence, which is crucial for service members. The article also notes Hegseth's previous actions to control military media, including firing the ombudsman and filling the Pentagon Press Corps with conservative allies. Hegseth has not yet responded.