Overview

• In a CNN interview, the former DHS official said Trump “waxed poetic” in private about authoritarian leaders and envied their total control.
• Taylor urged viewers to take Trump’s rhetoric literally, citing vows to be “Americans’ retribution,” to lock people up, and to send in troops.
• Trump this week said “a lot of people are saying, ‘Maybe we like a dictator,’” before insisting he is not a dictator.
• In April, Trump issued a memorandum directing the Justice Department to investigate Taylor and revoked Taylor’s security clearance.
• Taylor said he fears being targeted after the FBI searched former national security adviser John Bolton’s home and office, a move Trump says he did not direct.