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Pentagon Dismisses Stars & Stripes Ombudsman Amid ‘Woke’ Push

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon dismissed Jacqueline Smith as Stars and Stripes ombudsman effective immediately.
Smith began her tenure in December 2023 and monitored the paper’s independence, reporting concerns to Congress.
Her removal follows a January 15 Pentagon directive to shift the newspaper away from “woke distractions.”
The Defense Department said the dismissal was “not grievable” and offered no explanation, raising transparency questions.

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Story summary

The Pentagon dismissed Jacqueline Smith as Stars and Stripes ombudsman effective immediately.
Smith began her tenure in December 2023 and monitored the paper’s independence, reporting concerns to Congress.
Her removal follows a January 15 Pentagon directive to shift the newspaper away from “woke distractions.”
The Defense Department said the dismissal was “not grievable” and offered no explanation, raising transparency questions.