Pentagon Reboots Stars and Stripes Toward Warfighter Focus, Sparking Independence Concerns
The Defense Department signaled a reorientation of the independent Stars and Stripes to emphasize warfighter-focused reporting with more DoD-produced content and less ‘woke’ material, including plans for active-duty writers and reduced reliance on AP/Reuters. The move drew criticism from the paper’s publisher and ombudsman who warn it could undermine editorial independence, amid questions about the Defense Department’s authority and a recent report that job applicants were asked about supporting Trump policies, seen as a loyalty test.