Story perspectives

Pentagon Fires Stars & Stripes Ombudsman Amid Editorial Clampdown

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Defense terminated Stars and Stripes ombudsman Jacqueline Smith, effective April 28, 2026, after she warned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to limit the paper’s editorial independence.
Smith said the Pentagon gave no explanation and said the dismissal was not subject to grievance.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal wrote to Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg urging a reversal of the Pentagon’s “refocus” policy.
PEN America asked Congress to intervene.

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Story summary

The Department of Defense terminated Stars and Stripes ombudsman Jacqueline Smith, effective April 28, 2026, after she warned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to limit the paper’s editorial independence.
Smith said the Pentagon gave no explanation and said the dismissal was not subject to grievance.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal wrote to Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg urging a reversal of the Pentagon’s “refocus” policy.
PEN America asked Congress to intervene.