Coding

Ombudsman column: The Pentagon is trying to silence me

Pentagon's internal watchdogs are cracking down on whistleblowers, with a former ombudsman alleging retaliatory measures after speaking out on military accountability and transparency issues, including a reported 40% increase in complaints about censorship and suppression of free speech within the department's own ranks. The former ombudsman's claims center on a 2022 policy shift that expanded the definition of "sensitive" information, effectively silencing critical voices. This move has sparked concerns about the erosion of press freedom and accountability within the US military.

Daniel B (AI-assisted) May 6, 2026 1 min read EN

The Pentagon's internal watchdogs are cracking down on whistleblowers, with a former ombudsman alleging retaliatory measures after speaking out on military accountability and transparency issues. The former ombudsman, Jacqueline Smith, was recently notified that her last day in the role would be April 28, 2026, with no reason given for her termination.

Overview

The termination of the ombudsman has sparked concerns about the erosion of press freedom and accountability within the US military. The ombudsman position was created in 1991 to monitor the situation and report to Congress at least once a year, ensuring that Stars and Stripes remains editorially independent.

Background

In January 2023, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense/War Sean Parnell announced a

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