Miles Taylor, a former deputy chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, has spoken out against former President Trump, claiming he is trying to create a “modern blacklist.” In an interview with MSNBC’s “Deadline White House,” Taylor expressed his concerns about Trump’s intentions, suggesting that the president aims to damage lives by targeting perceived enemies.
“It seems like a lot of energy goes into pursuing hundreds of so-called enemies,” he noted. “But sometimes just making an example of a few can serve as a warning to others, as some of his officials have pointed out.”
Back in 2018, Taylor anonymously published a piece in the New York Times, discussing how certain officials have tried to curb Trump’s impulsive actions. Recently, Trump signed a memorandum mandating the Justice Department to look into Taylor, labeling it potentially “treason.”
Taylor shared that other officials voiced concerns about Trump wanting an order to investigate him. “I sent that message,” recalled Chris Krebs, who lost his job as the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in 2020.
As for Taylor, he described the financial strain his family faced after he lost his income. “I had to leave my job, which meant my wife had to return to work to help cover expenses like diapers and mortgage payments,” he said. “We didn’t know how we would manage the legal costs, so we had no choice but to set up a legal defense fund.”
In an interview with the Associated Press, Taylor remarked that the investigation creates a frightening precedent, enabling Trump to target any civilian or critic at will. “I didn’t do anything wrong, and it’s bizarre that someone could be under investigation with no clarity on the alleged offenses,” he stated.
Taylor pointed out that the investigation brought threats to his family’s safety, with recommendations for him and his wife to prepare legal wills to secure their daughter’s future guardian. While others suggested staying calm and hoping for the situation to blow over, Taylor maintained a more realistic view. “I know this man; I doubt it will just go away,” he said.
“Coming from a small town in Indiana, speaking up feels daunting,” he added. “But I can’t just stand by while wrongs are happening. If this is the fight we have to endure, then so be it.”
He also pointed to the emotional toll on his family, recalling a conversation with a close friend where he felt the need to distance themselves. While he emphasized that he doesn’t seek pity, he highlighted how easy it is for a president to initiate retaliatory investigations against citizens. “Anyone could find themselves in this position, which is why we chose to step back,” he concluded.
