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

NPR
March 14, 2026
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Pentagon increases control over military newspaper Stars and Stripes after labeling it 'woke'.

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The Pentagon has imposed tighter editorial controls over Stars and Stripes, the military's independent newspaper, after senior defense officials labeled the publication "woke." The move marks a significant shift in the military's relationship with the 163-year-old publication, which has historically maintained editorial independence from Pentagon oversight. The new controls could affect the newspaper's ability to report critically on military policies and operations. Stars and Stripes serves approximately 1.3 million active-duty service members, veterans, and military families worldwide.

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The Pentagon has implemented tighter controls over the publication's operations.

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