Pentagon Taps Public Affairs Official as Acting Publisher of Stars and Stripes

The Pentagon has named Christian Devine, executive director of its public affairs office, as the acting publisher of Stars and Stripes. The military newspaper, which has been in continuous publication since World War II, is undergoing a transition aimed at modernizing its operations and refocusing its content.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the appointment, stating that Devine's background as a former Marine Corps colonel and his experience in public affairs bring valuable expertise to the role. Parnell expressed confidence that Devine will provide "decisive leadership to modernize Stars and Stripes and to strengthen its mission." Devine will continue his duties at the Pentagon while splitting his time between both positions until a permanent publisher is selected.

Devine described Stars and Stripes as "a dynamic media organization with a prestigious history and purpose" and stated his hope to support its legacy during the interim period. The Pentagon, which funds approximately half of the newspaper's annual budget, outlined plans in early 2026 to reform the publication.

In January, Parnell stated on X that the goal was to return Stars and Stripes to its "original mission: reporting for our warfighters." He added that the newspaper would be "custom tailored to our warfighters," focusing on topics such as "warfighting, weapons systems, fitness, lethality, survivability, and ALL THINGS MILITARY." The Pentagon aims to move away from content described as "woke distractions" and repurposed articles, instead concentrating on news directly relevant to service members.

This leadership change follows the August firings of Stars and Stripes' longtime publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte. A source familiar with the situation indicated these dismissions were linked to Slavin and Korte's participation in a "CBS Sunday Morning" segment discussing the Pentagon's overhaul plans and Lederer's subsequent refusal to terminate them when directed by Pentagon leadership.

The former employees have filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, alleging retaliation and violations of their First Amendment and statutory rights. In September, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden denied their request for a temporary restraining order to reverse the firings, ruling that they had not met the burden of proof for a preliminary injunction.