BACKGROUND
In April 2025, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies to investigate Miles Taylor, the former Department of Homeland Security official who revealed himself in 2020 as the anonymous author of a 2018 New York Times op-ed criticizing Trump’s leadership.
The action represented an extraordinary escalation: using the power of the federal government to target a private citizen for previous political dissent. Legal experts condemned the move as retaliatory and unconstitutional, while Taylor faced growing threats to his safety, livelihood, and legal security.
But the threat extended beyond one individual. Whistleblowers, former government officials, attorneys, journalists, nonprofit leaders, and others who challenged presidential power could potentially face similar retaliation. Taylor’s case underscored the need for both an immediate legal defense and a broader effort to protect those targeted for speaking out.
CATALYST
Catalyst Campaigns worked with Miles Taylor to identify the fastest and most credible way to respond. Instead of creating a new organization and duplicating infrastructure, Catalyst partnered with Whistleblower Aid, an established 501(c)(3) already defending whistleblowers and democratic institutions, to provide the legal and nonprofit framework for the effort.
Together, the partners launched the End Presidential Revenge legal defense fund, creating a vehicle to help cover legal and security expenses for Taylor and others facing federal retaliation.
Moving quickly in response to the escalating threat, Catalyst developed the campaign’s brand, messaging, digital strategy, and website. EndPresidentialRevenge.org was designed, developed, and launched in less than a week, giving the effort an immediate public identity and a central platform for educating the public, building support, and raising resources.
The campaign turned Taylor’s individual experience into a broader call to defend Americans targeted for speaking out, built around a straightforward democratic principle: No president should be able to weaponize the federal government to punish perceived enemies.
OUTCOME
End Presidential Revenge transformed an unprecedented act of retaliation against Miles Taylor into a broader effort to defend whistleblowers, dissent, and the rule of law.
By bringing together Taylor, Whistleblower Aid, and other allies around a shared campaign, Catalyst helped establish the legal defense fund, create a recognizable public identity, and build a digital platform capable of generating awareness and financial support.
The effort demonstrated how strategic partnerships, existing organizational infrastructure, and rapid campaign development can provide an immediate response to a political crisis while creating a foundation to support others who may face similar retaliation.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Branding & Messaging • Coalition Building • Digital Strategy • Fundraising Strategy • Partnership Development • Strategic Communications • Website Development
FEATURED COVERAGE
June 5, 2025 | The Daily Beans
“Tax on. Tax Off. (feat. Miles Taylor)”
Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg
Taylor discussed the retaliation against him and the creation of the End Presidential Revenge legal defense fund, directing listeners to EndPresidentialRevenge.org.
June 4, 2025 | PBS NewsHour
“Miles Taylor Fights Trump’s Order Targeting Him, Calling It ‘an Attack on Free Speech’”
Amna Nawaz and Matt Loffman
In a national interview, Taylor discussed the consequences of the presidential action against him and highlighted EndPresidentialRevenge.org and the legal defense effort created with Whistleblower Aid.
June 3, 2025 | TIME
“I Criticized President Trump. Now He Is Accusing Me of Treason”
Miles Taylor
Taylor described Trump’s directive ordering federal agencies to investigate him, the personal and financial consequences of the retaliation, and his decision to fight back.
June 3, 2025 | TIME
“Former ‘Anonymous’ Author Files Legal Challenge Over Trump Memo Targeting Him”
TIME
TIME reported on Taylor’s legal challenge to Trump’s directive and his argument that the investigation represented unconstitutional political retaliation for protected speech.
June 3, 2025 | Associated Press / PBS NewsHour
“Former Homeland Security Official Taylor Fights Back Against Trump’s ‘Unprecedented’ Investigation Order”
Rebecca Santana
The Associated Press reported on Taylor’s decision to challenge the administration’s investigation and the broader concerns surrounding presidential retaliation.
June 3, 2025 | Whistleblower Aid
“Former Trump Whistleblower Miles Taylor Files Complaint Against the Trump Administration’s Unprecedented and Unlawful Retaliation”
Whistleblower Aid
The announcement detailed Taylor’s formal complaint challenging the administration’s actions and directed supporters to EndPresidentialRevenge.org.
May 5, 2025 | Whistleblower Aid
“Whistleblower Aid Spearheads Campaign to Support Miles Taylor As He Faces Unprecedented White House Retaliation”
Whistleblower Aid
The campaign launch announced EndPresidentialRevenge.org and the effort to raise legal defense funds for Taylor and others confronting presidential retaliation.
