Stars and Stripes Publisher Announces Retirement Amid Pentagon’s Editorial Control Efforts

Max D. Lederer Jr., the longtime publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, has announced his retirement. This decision marks the end of his extensive career with the outlet and comes as the Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, pushes to gain editorial control. The Pentagon claims to aim at removing what it deems “woke distractions.”

Lederer revealed his retirement plans in a memo to the staff and in an interview with Stars and Stripes. He expressed his fundamental disagreement with the Department of Defense’s direction for the publication. This announcement comes after the recent dismissal of Jacqueline Smith, the ombudsman who was responsible for maintaining the paper’s editorial independence, a role instituted by Congress. Stars and Stripes is partly funded by the Defense Department but maintains a traditional independence from government influence.

Lederer noted concerns over a Pentagon-led transition from print to digital formats, fearing reduced accessibility for troops. He believes that multiple platforms are valuable, contrasting with the Pentagon’s digital focus. A recent and undisclosed appointment of a deputy by the Pentagon under Lederer highlights potential challenges to the publication’s independence.

“This newspaper has a long history of commitment to the military community and to journalistic values,” Smith mentioned, voicing concerns over Pentagon control.

Hegseth’s spokesman, Sean Parnell, stated that Stars and Stripes will emphasize military-specific content, steering clear from DC gossip and reprinted news. The developments unfold amid broader Pentagon efforts to manage media narratives, including making the press office a classified space and requiring journalist escorts on the premises. This measure faces legal challenges.

Stars and Stripes remains dedicated to providing military-focused news, dating back to World War II, primarily serving overseas service members. The newspaper’s mission statement underlines its editorial independence protected by the First Amendment. While Lederer’s retirement is set for September 30, it’s uncertain whether he will serve as publisher until that date or if an acting publisher will be appointed in the interim.