The memo said Stars and Stripes should cease publishing by September 30, 2020, when the fiscal year ends. A Defense Department spokesperson deferred to the President's tweet when CNN asked for comment. But while Congress wrestles over a 2021 budget, the Defense Department has stepped in and ordered Stars and Stripes to shutter. A spokesperson for the Defense Department did not provide a comment to CNN on Graham's letter to Esper. Secretary Esper and the Defense Department should commit to continuing to fund Stars and Stripes under such a scenario -- and when Congress completes the budget process, it should then make Stars and Stripes' funding ironclad."

Source: CNN September 04, 2020 18:22 UTC