• Veteran journalist Josh Kosman was suspended after alleging his story on Trump’s DEA nominee was blocked by New York Post editor-in-chief Keith Poole, raising concerns about editorial independence.
• Kosman’s report focused on DEA nominee Terry Cole’s controversial background, including alleged ties to cartel violence and a botched operation in Colombia.
• The New York Post denies allegations of story suppression and retaliation, while the case fuels debates on media integrity and political influence in journalism.

Josh Kosman, a veteran journalist at the New York Post, has been suspended with pay following allegations that his story on President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was blocked by the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Keith Poole. The incident has raised questions about editorial independence and potential retaliation.

Allegations of Suppression and Retaliation

Kosman, who has worked at the Post for 16 years, was reportedly investigating the background of Trump’s nominee for the DEA, Terry Cole, when his article was rejected by Poole. According to a report by the newsletter Breaker, Kosman was informed via email that his story had been “spiked,” with a senior editor stating that Poole had categorically decided against publishing it.

Breaker further reported that Kosman was later offered the choice of entering a performance improvement plan or seeking another job. Two weeks later, he was suspended after Breaker approached the newspaper for a comment. “I certainly interpreted it as retaliation,” Kosman told Breaker, adding that the timing “struck me as not coincidental.”

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A spokesperson for the New York Post, however, denied these claims. In a statement to Breaker, the spokesperson said, “The allegations of ‘catch and kill’ and retaliation against Josh Kosman are absolutely, categorically untrue. Beyond that, we do not comment on personnel matters.”

Trump Nominee’s Controversial Background

Kosman’s story reportedly focused on Cole’s “chequered past,” which included allegations tied to a botched operation by a Colombian police unit and claims of cartel violence. CNN previously reported that several former DEA officials had raised concerns about Cole’s suitability for the role, citing his alleged connections to incidents in Colombia and Mexico that resulted in significant loss of life.

Despite these concerns, President Trump has publicly praised Poole’s leadership at the New York Post. Earlier this month, Trump recommended Poole to oversee the Wall Street Journal, calling him “very successful.”

Broader Context of Editorial Decisions

The situation highlights ongoing debates about media independence and the responsibilities of editors in maintaining journalistic integrity. Allegations of story suppression or “catch and kill” tactics, where stories are deliberately withheld, have previously surfaced at other media organizations. Such practices, critics argue, can undermine public trust in journalism.

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The New York Post is owned by News Corp, a company controlled by Rupert Murdoch. Trump’s endorsement of Poole has drawn attention to the relationship between the former president and parts of the Murdoch media empire, fueling broader discussions about political influence in media coverage.

What Happens Next?

Kosman’s future at the New York Post remains uncertain. The case has also sparked calls for greater scrutiny of editorial practices at major media outlets. Media watchdog organizations may use this incident to push for clearer journalistic standards and transparency in decision-making processes.

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