(WASHINGTON) – PEN America is alarmed over the Department of Defense’s apparent attempt to remove editorial independence from Stars and Stripes, the independent news organization founded during the Civil War, by putting Pentagon officials directly in charge of its content.
The publication mainly serves the military and government officials stationed overseas and has always maintained editorial independence. This move comes weeks after the Pentagon booted longtime members of the press corps from the building.
“American troops overseas deserve credible, trustworthy news guaranteed by the First Amendment, a cornerstone of the Constitution they defend. Instead, the Pentagon is trying to turn this independent newsroom into a mouthpiece for the administration’s political messaging. This action tramples both the First Amendment and the congressional mandate that the publication remain editorially independent,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director for PEN America. “As President Trump proposes a significant increase in Defense Department spending and new foreign military operations, the United States needs more independent reporting – not less. Congress must continue to protect Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence and ensure the administration allows it to serve military members free from political influence.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057