Story perspectives

Staffers Sue Defense Over Illegal Firings After CBS Interview

8/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Max Lederer, Erik Slavin and Lara Korte sued the Defense in D.C. court on Aug. 27, alleging illegal firings.
They say they were terminated on Aug. 21 for insubordination after a July 5 CBS interview defending editorial independence.
Officials Sean Parnell and Andrew Brey ordered terminations after an Aug. 11 Stars and Stripes report of sailors’ shortages.
Stars and Stripes receives about $29 million annually, half of which comes from taxpayer funding.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971 the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in New York Times Co. v. United States, rejecting the Nixon administration’s effort to block the Pentagon Papers and confirming that prior restraint carries a heavy presumption against constitutionality. The decision guides press-government conflicts. Today CBS journalists Max Lederer, Erik Slavin and Lara Korte sue the Defense Department, claiming retaliation for a July 5 interview threatens that protection.

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Story summary

Max Lederer, Erik Slavin and Lara Korte sued the Defense in D.C. court on Aug. 27, alleging illegal firings.
They say they were terminated on Aug. 21 for insubordination after a July 5 CBS interview defending editorial independence.
Officials Sean Parnell and Andrew Brey ordered terminations after an Aug. 11 Stars and Stripes report of sailors’ shortages.
Stars and Stripes receives about $29 million annually, half of which comes from taxpayer funding.

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