Pentagon Fires Stars and Stripes Ombudsman

The Pentagon has fired Jacqueline Smith, the ombudsman tasked with safeguarding the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper funded in part by the Department of Defense. The dismissal, announced on Thursday with her last day set for April 28, came without explanation and was described by officials as not subject to appeal.

Smith, who assumed the role in December 2023, wrote in a column published by the newspaper that the move appeared aimed at silencing her criticisms of increasing Pentagon oversight. "Apparently, the Pentagon also doesn't want you to hear from me anymore about threats to the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes. They fired me," she stated. In interviews following the announcement, Smith expressed concern that the action could enable further control, including potential changes to the publisher's civilian status or broader restrictions on content.

The ombudsman position was established by Congress in 1991 in response to efforts by military personnel to suppress unfavorable reporting on events like the Iran-Contra affair. Under the mandate, the ombudsman monitors the publication's autonomy and reports annually to the House and...