Former Trump official Miles Taylor warned that if Donald Trump were to win back the presidency, he would likely fill his cabinet with loyalists who would carry out his agenda without question. In an interview on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Taylor stated that Trump would avoid appointing anyone who might turn against him, creating an echo chamber in the White House. Taylor, who served as chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, wrote an anonymous op-ed in The New York Times titled “I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration” in 2018. Despite leaving the administration in 2019, Taylor did not reveal himself as the author until just before the 2020 election when he was campaigning against Trump.
After Taylor’s comments, a Trump spokesperson called him a coward and a liar, emphasizing his past support for Joe Biden and his leadership role in a group of ex-officials who opposed a second Trump term. Other former Trump officials, such as Mark Esper, John Bolton, and Mike Pence, have also spoken out against Trump, labeling him a threat to democracy and unfit for the presidency. Taylor has made various allegations against Trump, including neglecting intelligence briefings and attempting to block aid to California because it was a Democratic state.
According to Taylor, Trump has already found ways to appoint loyalists to his cabinet, citing the example of Chad Wolf, who was serving as acting Homeland Security Secretary before a court ruled his appointment unlawful. Taylor emphasized that there were no heroes inside the Trump administration, only survivors, and in a potential second term, the administration would be filled with supplicants rather than heroes or survivors. Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham showed support for Taylor’s comments, signaling agreement with his warnings about a possible Trump presidency.
Taylor thanked Grisham for her support and expressed hope that their message would be heard in November. As the 2024 election approaches, concerns about Trump potentially returning to power are being raised by various former officials who have criticized him for his actions during his first term. The possibility of Trump appointing loyalists and creating an echo chamber in the White House if reelected is a significant concern for those who believe in upholding democracy and the principles of good governance. Taylor’s warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that transparency and ethical leadership are maintained in government.
