Judge Blocks Appeal from Stars and Stripes Journalists

A federal judge has rejected a request from three former Stars and Stripes journalists to reverse their termination by the Pentagon.

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden denied the temporary restraining order sought by Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte. They argued their case did not meet the criteria for a preliminary injunction.

In a joint statement provided to Fox News Digital, the journalists shared their disappointment with the ruling but emphasized their intention to explore further legal options.

“We are reviewing the decision with our attorneys and considering our next steps,” the trio stated. “We maintain that the Pentagon should not dismiss journalists for opposing censorship and safeguarding the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes.”

The case revolves around whether servicemembers and their families can depend on a free and independent press. It also questions whether military and civilian journalists at Stars and Stripes can operate without fear of reprisal.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell highlighted the court’s decision, stating public employees do not receive First Amendment protections when communicating in an official capacity.

Parnell mentioned on X that interviews were conducted with supervisor involvement, at Stripes workplaces, and using official titles, classifying it as government speech rather than private-citizen speech.

“Stars and Stripes is a Department of War publication funded to inform the military community,” Parnell explained. “The Department must ensure it focuses on the force, readiness, and those serving, not to become a platform for airing grievances.”

Last month, the Pentagon terminated the journalists from the military newspaper for alleged insubordination, prompting them to sue for retaliation and First Amendment violations.

The firing followed Slavin and Korte’s unauthorized participation in a CBS segment about Pentagon attempts to revamp the paper and Lederer’s refusal to dismiss them as directed by Pentagon leadership.

The lawsuit claims Pentagon leadership understood the interviews expressed personal opinions and didn’t act immediately but shifted stance after a report was published concerning issues aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

Pentagon leadership demanded Lederer fire Slavin and Korte one day after the report’s release.

Defendants listed in the lawsuit include the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Parnell, and principal deputy assistant Andrew Brey.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Slavin pointed out that the Pentagon didn’t specify how his actions were insubordinate, noting previous interviews didn’t require authorization.

Slavin stressed the broader significance, focusing on whether servicemembers and their families will receive independent news they can rely on.

Joseph A. Wulfsohn reports for Fox News Digital and welcomes tips via email at [email protected] and Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.