A former official from the Trump administration is launching a new website aimed at uniting people against Trump’s policies. Miles Taylor, who once served as chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, is leading this effort. The site, called defiance.org, includes a diverse group of former national security officials and elected leaders.
The website’s goal is straightforward: it wants to help Americans push back against what it views as presidential abuses of power in a peaceful and lawful manner. Taylor describes it as a “Google for defiance,” a place where people can find ways to get involved in resistance activities.
Interestingly, back in September 2018, Taylor published an anonymous op-ed in the New York Times discussing a “quiet resistance” within the Trump administration, where staff tried to block what they viewed as dangerous policies. He later revealed that he was the author of that piece.
The launch of defiance.org follows the recent “No Kings” rallies, which saw participants protesting across the country. The site debuted with a video featuring actor Robert De Niro, who encourages people to take action. “You can’t just sit on your ass and wait for the insanity and cruelty to pass,” he declares in the clip.
In April, President Trump signed a memo that targeted Taylor, claiming he fabricated stories for profit. Trump ordered investigations into Taylor and others close to him, accusing them of leaking classified documents—claims Taylor denies.
The new site is branded as a sort of “mutual aid” network, designed to support those feeling the brunt of political attacks. It aims to facilitate not just protests but also legal aid for those in need. Taylor mentioned that the platform could later rally support for figures like Senator Adam Schiff, who is currently under investigation by the Justice Department.
One noteworthy aspect of this initiative is support from both sides of the political aisle. Former Trump officials like Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye are involved, signaling a significant shift among some who once backed Trump.
Recent surveys indicate that political polarization in the U.S. is at an all-time high. According to a Gallup poll, less than 10% of Americans believe that national unity is achievable, and many express discontent with the political landscape. In this context, defiance.org could either resonate with a frustrated electorate looking for action or be viewed skeptically by those who prefer a more unified approach.
Critics, including the White House, have dismissed Taylor’s claims of a resistance within the government, branding them as sensationalist. However, Taylor, along with his supporters, aims to create a community where individuals can address political overreach and support each other during tumultuous times.
This initiative highlights a growing trend in American politics where individuals who feel marginalized seek channels to express their resistance and solidarity, often through digital platforms. The success and impact of defiance.org may well depend on its ability to foster a sense of community and actionable support in a deeply divided political environment.
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