Addressing Risks Associated with an Egregious Leaker and Disseminator of Falsehoods
This presidential memorandum directs the immediate suspension of security clearances held by Miles Taylor and associated individuals due to concerns about the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and the dissemination of falsehoods.
The Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and other relevant agency heads are instructed to take necessary actions.
A review of Taylor's activities as a government employee will be conducted by the Secretary of Homeland Security, with a report and recommendations to be submitted to the President.
Arguments For
Protecting National Security: The memorandum argues that Miles Taylor's actions, including the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, pose a significant threat to national security. The actions taken aim to mitigate this threat.
Maintaining Public Trust: The actions are justified as necessary to maintain public trust in government and to deter future similar actions by government employees.
Enforcing Accountability: The memorandum asserts the need to hold government employees accountable for violating their oaths of office and engaging in unethical behavior. The investigations are a step towards establishing accountability.
Legal Basis: The memorandum indicates the actions are consistent with existing law and intended to protect national interests, suggesting a legal basis for the directives.
Arguments Against
Due Process Concerns: Suspending security clearances without a full and fair hearing could be seen as violating due process rights. The actions may be challenged on this ground.
Overreach of Executive Power: Critics might argue that the President's actions constitute an overreach of executive authority, potentially infringing on the separation of powers.
Chilling Effect on Whistleblowers: The actions could create a chilling effect, discouraging legitimate whistleblowing, which is crucial for government oversight and accountability.
Potential for Abuse: The broad mandate to investigate and take action could be subject to abuse and used to target political opponents or those who are critical of the administration.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
Miles Taylor was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of Federal service, but instead prioritized his own ambition, personal notoriety, and monetary gain over fidelity to his constitutional oath. While serving as an administrative staff assistant at the Department of Homeland Security, Taylor stoked dissension by manufacturing sensationalist reports on the existence of a supposed “resistance” within the Federal Government that “vowed” to undermine and render ineffective a sitting President. He illegally published classified conversations to sell his book under the pseudonym “Anonymous,” which is full of falsehoods and fabricated stories. In so doing, Taylor abandoned his sacred oath and commitment to public service by disclosing sensitive information obtained through unauthorized methods and betrayed the confidence of those with whom he served. Where a Government employee improperly discloses sensitive information for the purposes of personal enrichment and undermining our foreign policy, national security, and Government effectiveness –- all ultimately designed to sow chaos and distrust in Government — this conduct could properly be characterized as treasonous and as possibly violating the Espionage Act, and therefore makes such employee ineligible for access to national secrets.
In his former position, Taylor relied upon various colleagues to facilitate his unethical laundering and release of sensitive Government data to advance his false narratives. It is therefore against America’s interests to allow those associated with Taylor to access our Nation’s secrets.
Accordingly, I direct the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and all other relevant executive department and agency (agency) heads to immediately take all action as necessary and consistent with existing law to suspend any active security clearances held by Miles Taylor, in addition to individuals at entities associated with Taylor, including the University of Pennsylvania, pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.
I further direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with any other relevant agency heads, to take all appropriate action to review Miles Taylor’s activities as a Government employee. This review should identify any instances where his conduct appears to have been contrary to suitability standards for Federal employees, and where his conduct appears to have involved the unauthorized dissemination of classified information. Upon completing this review, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall prepare a report to be submitted to the President, through the Counsel to the President, with recommendations for appropriate remedial or preventative actions to be taken to protect America’s interests.
This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
The memorandum details actions taken concerning Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security employee.
The President alleges that Taylor prioritized personal gain over his duties, leaking classified information and publishing false narratives.
This conduct is deemed a threat to national security and public trust.
The memorandum orders the suspension of Taylor's security clearance and those of individuals connected to him.
Additionally, it directs a full review of Taylor's actions as a government employee, to identify any violations of suitability standards or unauthorized information disclosures.
The review will result in a report with recommendations to protect national interests.
The document concludes with a standard clause stating it doesn't create any legally enforceable rights.
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It indicates the source and original publication location of the memorandum.