The Warning with Steve Schmidt The Need for Americans to Fight Back | A Conversation with Miles Taylor
Oct 31, 2025
Miles Taylor, a former senior Department of Homeland Security official and a vocal critic of the Trump administration, dives into the urgent need for Americans to reclaim democratic principles. He discusses his decision to speak out against oppression, emphasizing that staying silent equates to submission. Taylor introduces Defiance.org, aiming to mobilize civic action and support organizations fighting for democracy. The conversation also touches on reforms to combat political dysfunction and enhance accountability in government.
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Targeted Into Activism
- Miles Taylor describes feeling forced back into public life after being targeted by the president and pressured to stay silent.
- He launched Defiance.org to direct people to groups doing accountability work instead of retreating to private life.
Choose Defiance Over Silence
- Do choose defiance over silence when facing authoritarian pressure; silence equals submission, Miles warns.
- Do use Defiance.org to find organizations to support and direct your energy productively.
U.S. Echoes Global Democratic Erosion
- Maria links her international human-rights experience to current U.S. democratic erosion and concentrated presidential power.
- She argues restoring checks requires protests, court challenges, and Congress reclaiming oversight authority.