Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The Pentagon asked a federal judge to deny a preliminary injunction tied to personnel actions involving three Stars and Stripes journalists. Government attorneys said the retaliation claims lack basis and argued that speech made under official duties is not protected by the First Amendment from workplace discipline.
The dispute involves Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, reporter Lara Korte, and publisher Max Lederer at Stars and Stripes, placed on paid leave after CBS News interviews lacked required clearance, according to the Pentagon. Officials said proceedings for Slavin and Korte were set July 22 and finalized August 6, preceding an August 11 USS Abraham Lincoln article. Lederer faces an insubordination charge after declining to deliver notices and plans to retire September 30.
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The Pentagon asked a federal judge to deny a preliminary injunction tied to personnel actions involving three Stars and Stripes journalists. Government attorneys said the retaliation claims lack basis and argued that speech made under official duties is not protected by the First Amendment from workplace discipline.
The dispute involves Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, reporter Lara Korte, and publisher Max Lederer at Stars and Stripes, placed on paid leave after CBS News interviews lacked required clearance, according to the Pentagon. Officials said proceedings for Slavin and Korte were set July 22 and finalized August 6, preceding an August 11 USS Abraham Lincoln article. Lederer faces an insubordination charge after declining to deliver notices and plans to retire September 30.
► Click HERE to subscribe to Radar Online on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCBYl843cTtXfbRn0eP2gk_g?sub_confirmation=1
► Click HERE to sign up for Radar Online’s newsletter: radaronline.com/newsletter-signup
► Click HERE to subscribe to Radar Online’s up-to-the-minute breaking news podcasts: redcircle.com/show/88223be6-061a-48fb-aec7-3dfc9420858f
Connect with Radar Online on social media:
twitter.com/radar_online
instagram.com/radaronline
facebook.com/RadarOnline
