Story perspectives

Stars and Stripes Journalists Sue Pentagon Over Terminations

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Stars and Stripes journalists Max Lederer, Erik Slavin and Lara Korte sued the Department of Defense.
They allege termination for insubordination after a July CBS interview defending editorial independence.
Notices were issued Aug 21 and terminations took effect Aug 27 after an Aug 11 Stars and Stripes story.
Defendants include Pete Hegseth, Sean Parnell and Andrew Brey.
The suit seeks a temporary restraining order, claiming First Amendment and Administrative Procedures Act violations.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court rejected Nixon’s prior-restraint request on June 30 1971, allowing the New York Times and the Washington Post to publish the 7,000-page Pentagon Papers, courts affirmed a strong First Amendment shield for journalists. In August 2023, Stars and Stripes reporters Max Lederer, Erik Slavin and Lara Korte sued the Defense Department, invoking that same precedent to challenge their termination.

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Story summary

Stars and Stripes journalists Max Lederer, Erik Slavin and Lara Korte sued the Department of Defense.
They allege termination for insubordination after a July CBS interview defending editorial independence.
Notices were issued Aug 21 and terminations took effect Aug 27 after an Aug 11 Stars and Stripes story.
Defendants include Pete Hegseth, Sean Parnell and Andrew Brey.
The suit seeks a temporary restraining order, claiming First Amendment and Administrative Procedures Act violations.

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