Federal Judge Allows Pentagon to Proceed with Firing Stars and Stripes Journalists

PUBLISHED Sep 4, 2026, 7:49 PM ET

A federal judge in Washington declined a request to block the Pentagon from terminating three employees from the military-operated newspaper Stars and Stripes. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden issued a 24-page ruling denying a preliminary injunction sought by publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. The three staff members were placed on administrative leave in August following allegations of insubordination tied to comments made during a July segment on CBS Sunday Morning regarding editorial independence. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued that the terminations violated First Amendment protections for government employees speaking on matters of public concern. Justice Department attorneys representing the Pentagon countered that the employees spoke in their official capacities during routine duties. Judge McFadden ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a strong likelihood of a constitutional violation on the current judicial record, permitting the Pentagon to proceed with the terminations while the broader lawsuit continues.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 30
Right Leaning:: 6
Left Leaning:: 7
Neutral:: 17

Explain Framing

Left: Framing emphasizes threats to press freedom and independent journalism oversight. Center: Framing focuses strictly on legal arguments, judicial findings, and court documents. Right: Framing highlights military discipline standards and executive authority over defense employees.