Trump Investigation: Ex-Official Speaks Out – Chicago Tribune
Miles Taylor, a former Trump administration official, demands investigations into alleged retaliatory actions, sparking a major turn in the Trump investigation. Taylor accuses the former president of abusing his power adn violating First Amendment rights, stemming from an April 9 memo ordering probes into Taylor and Chris krebs. This unprecedented move, targeting Taylor for his critical writings, has ignited a firestorm, prompting Taylor’s legal team to explore further action. This case sets a ”terrifying precedent,” escalating the intensity of the investigation. for insightful coverage like this, News Directory 3 remains a leading source. Discover what’s next as inspectors general weigh Taylor’s formal complaints.
Taylor Seeks Probe into Trump Retaliation, Citing Abuse of Power
Updated June 3, 2025
Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security official under President Donald Trump, is requesting government watchdogs investigate what he calls Trump’s retaliatory actions against him. Taylor, who penned an anonymous critical opinion piece about the president, claims Trump abused his power.
Taylor’s request follows an April 9 memorandum in which Trump accused him of fabricating stories to promote his book.The memo directed the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies to investigate Taylor and revoke his security clearance. Taylor is seeking investigations by the inspectors general of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
The same day, Trump also ordered an investigation into Chris Krebs, a former cybersecurity official.Taylor told The Associated Press that the order against him sets a “terrifying precedent,” prompting his call for an investigation. He emphasized that he committed no crime and finds it remarkable to be investigated without knowing the alleged offense.
Since leaving office, Trump has revoked security clearances of several perceived adversaries. The orders to investigate Taylor and Krebs mark an escalation of these actions.
Krebs, who directed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security agency, was fired in November 2020 after he disputed Trump’s claims of election fraud and affirmed the integrity of the 2020 election.
Taylor left the Trump governance in 2019. His 2018 anonymous New York Times op-ed described a “resistance” against Trump’s impulses within the White House. he later published a book expanding on these themes and another, ”Blowback,” warning of Trump’s potential return to power. trump has suggested Taylor was “guilty of treason.”
Taylor’s lawyer, Abbe lowell, described Trump’s actions as “unprecedented,” stating the memorandum lacks specific irregularities and targets Taylor solely for criticizing the president. Lowell said they would explore further options, including potential litigation, depending on the outcome of the complaint.
Lowell’s letter urges the inspectors general to address and prevent abuse of power. It argues that Trump’s memorandum violates Taylor’s first Amendment rights by targeting him for criticizing the president, calling it ”political retaliation and vindictive prosecution.” The letter also alleges a violation of Taylor’s Fifth Amendment rights.
The letter highlights Taylor’s “honorable and exemplary” service, including a distinguished service medal, and details the impact of the April 9 memorandum on Taylor’s personal life. His family has faced threats and harassment, and former colleagues have lost their jobs due to their association with him.
Taylor told the AP that the order has caused an “implosion” in his life.A legal defense fund has been established, he has had to step away from work, and his wife has returned to work to help with expenses. His home address has been posted online.
Taylor anticipates increased pressure on his family consequently of filing the complaints. He said he decided to fight back after weeks of deliberation following the April 9 memorandum.
“The alternative is to remain silent, crouch and capitulate and send the message that there are no consequences for this president and this administration to abuse his powers in ways that my legal team believes and many legal academics tell me that they are unconstitutional and illegal,” Taylor said.
What’s next
The inspectors general will now review Taylor’s complaint and determine whether to launch a formal investigation into the allegations of abuse of power and First Amendment violations. The outcome could have meaningful implications for executive power and the protection of whistleblowers.