Pentagon tightens controls over Stars and Stripes after calling it "woke"

NPR
by Maria Aspan
March 14, 2026
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1 min read

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The Bottom Line

Pentagon restricts Stars and Stripes military newspaper after calling it 'woke.'

How This Affects You

Service members may receive less independent news coverage about Defense Department activities and military policies.

AI Summary

The Pentagon has imposed new editorial controls on Stars and Stripes, the independent military newspaper, after officials characterized its coverage as "woke." The Defense Department's restrictions represent the latest effort to limit journalistic oversight of military operations and policies. According to the new guidelines, the newspaper faces heightened editorial review processes and content restrictions. The measures continue a broader pattern of the Pentagon placing restrictions on media access and coverage of defense-related matters.

What's Being Done

The Pentagon has imposed new editorial restrictions limiting how Stars and Stripes reports on military affairs.

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