Addressing Risks Associated with an Egregious Leaker and Disseminator of Falsehoods
TLDR
This memorandum directs the suspension of security clearances for Miles Taylor (the “Anonymous” former DHS employee) and individuals at associated organizations (including University of Pennsylvania), pending investigation into potential unauthorized disclosure of classified information. It orders a review of Taylor’s government activities and requires recommendations for remedial/preventative actions.
This memorandum directs federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Miles Taylor (former DHS employee who wrote as “Anonymous”) and individuals at organizations associated with him, pending review. It also orders an investigation into Taylor’s conduct as a government employee, particularly regarding potential unauthorized dissemination of classified information.
Key components:
- Accuses Taylor of betraying his oath by publishing “Anonymous” material and classified conversations
- Primary actions:
- Directs AG, DNI, and agency heads to suspend Taylor’s security clearances
- Extends suspension to individuals at entities associated with Taylor, including University of Pennsylvania
- Orders Secretary of Homeland Security to review Taylor’s government activities
- Requires a report with recommendations for remedial/preventative actions
This executive order represents a significant use of presidential authority targeting a specific former government employee. The memo makes serious accusations against Taylor, suggesting his actions could be “treasonous” and potentially violative of the Espionage Act. However, it directs actions “consistent with existing law,” acknowledging legal limitations on executive power.
The scope extends beyond Taylor himself to potentially affect individuals at associated entities (particularly naming the University of Pennsylvania), which raises questions about the breadth of impact and potential chilling effects on academic institutions.
The memorandum contains no due process provisions or specific evidentiary basis for the allegations against Taylor, beyond the general claim that he disclosed sensitive information.
The order includes a standard disclaimer that it creates no enforceable rights. Security clearance decisions generally fall within executive discretion, but broad implementation could face legal challenges, particularly regarding the extension to individuals at associated organizations.
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.