U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, the Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has led a group of senators in seeking clarification from the Department of Defense (DOD) regarding concerns about potential political influence over Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper known for its editorial independence.
The inquiry comes after reports that job applicants at Stars and Stripes were asked how they would support administration policy priorities. Additionally, comments by the Pentagon’s top public affairs official indicated plans to overhaul the newspaper’s content.
“We write to express our strong and unwavering support for the continued editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, a publication whose credibility rests on its ability to report freely and impartially on matters affecting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” wrote the Senators to Secretary Pete Hegseth. “…Any diminishing independence of Stars and Stripes is a blow to the public’s legitimate need for information and disrespectful to our military. The paper’s independence is essential to ensuring the American people understand what is happening in our armed forces, and to provide servicemembers with honest, credible reporting rather than filtered or politicized narratives.”
Stars and Stripes was established in 1861, with Congress repeatedly affirming its independent status. The senators’ letter emphasizes that Congress expects Stars and Stripes to operate under First Amendment principles without political interference.
The Senators continued, “Congress has been clear for decades that Stars and Stripes must be governed by First Amendment principles and insulated from political influence, regardless of which administration is in power. We urge you to immediately clarify that neither hiring practices nor editorial decisions at Stars and Stripes will be conditioned on ideological alignment or policy advocacy, and to reaffirm, publicly and unequivocally, the newspaper’s statutory independence.”
Blumenthal was joined by Senators Tammy Duckworth, Ruben Gallego, Mazie Hirono, Tim Kaine, Mark Kelly, Angus King, Bernard Sanders, Jeanne Shaheen, and Elizabeth Warren in signing the letter.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee operates as a standing committee within the United States Senate with jurisdiction over veterans' programs across the country. It provides legislative oversight on issues such as health care access for veterans—working closely with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs—and has contributed significantly through legislation including expanding benefits for those exposed to toxins. More details about its work can be found on its official website.
The committee also maintains offices within the U.S. Capitol complex as part of its operations in supporting veterans’ transitions back into civilian life while collaborating with various agencies dedicated to veteran welfare.
