Max D. Lederer Jr., the longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement, effective at the end of September, citing fundamental differences with the Pentagon's direction for the military newspaper. Lederer, the second full-time civilian in the role, stated in a memo to staff that his philosophy of leadership and understanding of the publication's mission diverge from that of the Department of Defense leadership.
The announcement follows increased efforts by the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to exert editorial control over the newspaper, which has a legacy of independence. In January, Hegseth's spokesman, Sean Parnell, stated on X that the Pentagon intended to "refocus its content away from woke distractions" and tailor it "to our warfighters," emphasizing warfighting, weapons systems, fitness, lethality, survivability, and military-specific topics, while excluding "repurposed DC gossip columns" and "Associated Press reprints."
This development comes less than four months after the Pentagon removed Jacqueline Smith, the newspaper's ombudsman, whose role was to protect editorial independence. Smith, in a column, expressed concern that the Pentagon was attempting to silence her and undermine the publication's journalistic values. She noted that the newspaper has a long history of commitment to the military community and journalistic principles.
Lederer, in an interview with Stars and Stripes, expressed concerns that the Pentagon's modernization efforts, announced in March, were not appropriate. He specifically cited the transition of print products to digital formats, fearing it would limit accessibility for service members. "I don’t feel that there’s a full recognition of the value of multiple platforms versus only a digital platform," Lederer was quoted as saying.
Further complicating the situation, Stars and Stripes reported that a new deputy was installed under Lederer without his prior knowledge. Rufus Friday, chair of the newspaper's advisory board of publishers, wrote to congressional leaders that this development "threatens Stripes’s editorial independence."
Stars and Stripes, which has been reporting on the military since World War II primarily for service members stationed overseas, receives roughly half of its budget from the Pentagon. Its staff members are considered Defense Department employees, and its mission statement emphasizes editorial independence and adherence to the principles of the First Amendment.
In recent years, the Pentagon has faced criticism for increased restrictions on journalists. Last year, attempted restrictions on journalists working inside the Pentagon led many news outlets to withdraw their access badges. More recently, a Pentagon policy to escort journalists on its grounds has been challenged in court.
Lederer indicated that he does not know if the Pentagon will retain him as publisher until his Sept. 30 retirement date or if an acting publisher will be named.