Judge Denies Request to Reverse Pentagon’s Firing of Journalists

A federal judge recently declined a request from three ousted Stars and Stripes journalists seeking to overturn their dismissal by the Pentagon. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden refused a temporary restraining order sought by Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte. The judge indicated that they failed to demonstrate a clear entitlement to a preliminary injunction.

The journalists expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision but emphasized that it is not the final resolution. In a joint statement, they mentioned reviewing the decision with their legal team to consider future actions. They maintained that the Pentagon should not dismiss journalists for opposing censorship and supporting editorial independence at Stars and Stripes.

“This case is about whether servicemembers and military families can rely on a free and independent press. It also concerns whether Stars and Stripes journalists can perform their duties without fear of retaliation,” the statement outlined.

The decision marks a victory for the Pentagon. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell highlighted the ruling on social media, stating that public employees do not have First Amendment protection when speaking in their official capacities. Parnell noted that the interviews in question involved supervisor participation and were conducted as official communications.

Stars and Stripes, a Department of War publication, aims to inform the military community. Parnell stressed the importance of maintaining focus on military readiness and preventing the platform from airing employee grievances. The Pentagon plans to continue the personnel process in compliance with the law.

The journalists were dismissed for alleged insubordination following an unauthorized CBS Sunday Morning segment discussing the Pentagon’s plans to overhaul Stars and Stripes. Subsequently, they filed a lawsuit claiming retaliation and a First Amendment rights violation. The lawsuit alleged that Pentagon leadership recognized personal opinions in the interviews but took action only after Stars and Stripes reported tensions aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

Defendants in the lawsuit include the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Sean Parnell, and his deputy Andrew Brey. Slavin, among those dismissed, argued in an interview with Fox News Digital that the Pentagon never specified how his interview participation constituted insubordination. He highlighted his concern for ensuring servicemembers’ access to independent news and safeguarding colleagues from potential future retaliation.