Trump's Attack on Free Speech: Former Official Takes Unconventional Legal Route

Miles Taylor, a former senior official in the Trump administration, is taking legal action against President Trump. Taylor is challenging an executive order that he views as an attack on his First Amendment rights. The order, issued in April 2025, followed Taylor's 2018 anonymous op-ed criticizing Trump's behavior. Taylor's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated, “The Memorandum’s personal and financial toll on Mr. Taylor cannot be understated.” Taylor is not suing, but instead has requested investigations by the Inspectors General of the Department of Justice and Homeland Security. This unusual approach reflects Taylor's concern about the broader implications for free speech and the potential for abuse of power. He believes that if this executive order is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent. The case is being closely watched as a test of the independence of government oversight agencies.