Stars and Stripes Publisher’s Retirement Amid Defense Department Changes

The publisher of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, Max D. Lederer Jr., has announced his retirement effective at the end of September. His departure comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon seeks to exert greater editorial control over the publication, eliminating content it describes as ‘woke distractions.’

Lederer informed the staff of his decision through a memo and an interview with Stars and Stripes. In the memo, he expressed that his leadership philosophy and vision for Stars and Stripes fundamentally differ from the direction the Department of Defense wishes to take the organization.

This development follows the Pentagon’s recent firing of Jacqueline Smith, the newspaper’s ombudsman, who was tasked with preserving editorial independence. Stars and Stripes is partially funded by the Defense Department but has maintained independence from military and government leadership. Smith commented on her removal, noting, ‘No one should be surprised they’re removing the person tasked by Congress with protecting the newspaper’s editorial independence.’

The publication has been prominent in reporting on conditions affecting sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln, addressing concerns over their mental health during extended deployments. President Donald Trump has previously downplayed these concerns.

The Pentagon did not offer comments on Lederer’s retirement, which follows a departmental announcement about plans to overhaul the newspaper to align it with current Pentagon messaging. Hegseth’s spokesperson, Sean Parnell, mentioned in January that Stars and Stripes would ‘return to its original mission: reporting for our warfighters,’ focusing on military topics rather than repurposed content.

These changes occur alongside broader Pentagon efforts under Hegseth to control media coverage of the department. Last year, attempts to restrict journalists at the Pentagon resulted in many news outlets relinquishing their access. More recently, the Pentagon has declared its press office a classified space, requiring journalists to have escorts on its grounds. This policy faces ongoing legal challenges.

In an April column titled ‘The Pentagon is trying to silence me,’ former ombudsman Smith voiced concerns over increasing media restrictions. She highlighted that despite the Defense/War Department losing a lawsuit over media access, Secretary Hegseth found alternative methods to restrict journalists.

Lederer opposed certain Pentagon-driven changes. In his interview, he expressed concerns about transitioning to digital formats, fearing it could restrict access for military personnel. He emphasized the importance of maintaining multiple platforms.

Furthermore, Stars and Stripes could not verify claims of a new deputy being appointed by the Pentagon without the publisher’s knowledge. Rufus Friday, chair of the advisory board of publishers, expressed concerns to congressional leaders, stating a new deputy threatens the newspaper’s editorial independence.

Approximately half of the publication’s funding comes from the Defense Department, and its staff are considered department employees. Despite this, its mission emphasizes editorial independence, standing out among news organizations under the Defense Department by being governed by First Amendment principles.

Stars and Stripes has consistently covered military news since World War II, serving primarily service members stationed overseas. Lederer indicated uncertainty about whether the Pentagon would retain him until his retirement date on September 30 or appoint an acting publisher sooner.