Applaud Democrats for Defending a Free Military Press

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Jeanne Shaheen are demanding answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over reported efforts to install an active-duty public affairs officer in the leadership of Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper that generations of service members have relied on for credible, independent reporting.

The senators launched their probe after longtime Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement, citing fundamental differences between his understanding of the newspaper’s mission and the Defense Department’s plans for its future. They are asking Hegseth to explain why an active-duty officer was reportedly assigned as Lederer’s deputy without consulting him.

Although Stars and Stripes receives funding from the Defense Department, its editorial independence is essential to its credibility. Putting someone within the military chain of command into senior leadership raises serious questions about whether journalists will remain free to scrutinize Pentagon policies and report information that military leaders might rather keep out of the headlines.

That independence is especially important for service members stationed overseas and in combat zones, who deserve trustworthy information about the institution in which they serve.

Congress has an important oversight role when that independence may be threatened. Warren, Blumenthal, and Shaheen are right to demand transparency and insist that the Pentagon explain its actions.

Add your name to applaud Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Jeanne Shaheen for defending the independence of Stars and Stripes, demanding accountability from Pete Hegseth, and standing up for a free press.