April 24, 2026

Pentagon Fires Ombudsman for Stars and Stripes

Jacqueline Smith, the ombudsman for Stars and Stripes, was fired by the Pentagon without explanation, effective April 28.
Smith had been vocal about restrictions imposed by Pentagon leadership on the publication's editorial freedom.
The ombudsman role was established by Congress to protect Stars and Stripes from military censorship, especially after past scandals.
Recent changes at Stars and Stripes have included a shift in content focus, sparking further criticism from Smith.