Taylor Seeks Probe into Trump Retaliation, Citing Abuse of Power

Updated June 3, 2025
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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.