A recent decision by a U.S. federal judge has denied the request from three dismissed Stars and Stripes journalists seeking to reverse their termination by the Pentagon. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden rejected a temporary restraining order filed by Stars and Stripes executives Max Lederer and Erik Slavin, along with reporter Lara Korte. They argued they could not show they were entitled to a preliminary injunction.

In a joint statement to Fox News Digital, the journalists expressed disappointment over Judge McFadden’s ruling but emphasized that this is not the end of the matter for them. “We are reviewing the decision with our attorneys and considering our next steps,” they stated. The journalists continue to stand against what they view as censorship and infringement on editorial independence.

The Pentagon responded, with Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell emphasizing on social media that public employees do not have First Amendment protections when expressing government viewpoints. Parnell noted that the contentious interviews were conducted under supervisor oversight and related to official duties, hence classifying the speech as governmental.

Parnell added that Stars and Stripes remains a Department of War publication aimed at informing the military community and must focus on core military issues rather than airing grievances.

The journalists’ dismissal last month followed accusations of insubordination. They had participated in an unauthorized “CBS Sunday Morning” segment discussing the Pentagon’s proposed changes to the paper. In reaction, the journalists filed a lawsuit claiming retaliation and First Amendment violations. They allege they were fired after protest of editorial decisions, particularly upon reporting on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln unrest.

The defendants in this case include the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and others. Slavin maintains that he received no direct explanation regarding how his actions constituted insubordination, despite having given prior interviews without requiring Pentagon approval.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Slavin underscored the importance of independent news for servicemembers and their families, cautioning about potential retaliation against staff who assert the independence of Stars and Stripes.