Mark Zaid, Esq
@markzaidesq.bsky.social
National Security Attorney, Comic Book Historian, University of Rochester Alum
Pinned
Donate to Challenge President Trump's Unprecedented Authority, organized by Mark Zaid
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Help us legally challenge President Trump's unlawful & unconstitutional exercise of power to terminate Senior Executive Service Members such as Mary Comans, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
We need your support!
gofund.me/3d277c98
We need your support!
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I am saddened that Mike Beck - my first AHI client who formerly worked for NSA - passed away yesterday. I first started rep'ing him circa 2012 long before we ever heard of Havana Syndrome. Little did we know the journey that we would soon be on.
RIP.
www.washingtonpost.com/local/was-a-...
RIP.
www.washingtonpost.com/local/was-a-...
Was a spy’s Parkinson’s disease caused by a secret microwave weapon attack?
Mike Beck believes his nervous system was damaged by a hostile country. But the National Security Agency will not endorse his workers’ compensation claim.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:49 PM
I am saddened that Mike Beck - my first AHI client who formerly worked for NSA - passed away yesterday. I first started rep'ing him circa 2012 long before we ever heard of Havana Syndrome. Little did we know the journey that we would soon be on.
RIP.
www.washingtonpost.com/local/was-a-...
RIP.
www.washingtonpost.com/local/was-a-...
No one who supports 2nd Amendment should be ok with what Trump officials are saying.
The law allows open carry in MN. Pretti also possessed concealed carry permit.
One can question whether good judgment to bring weapon into this type of heated situation, but he had every legal right to do so.
The law allows open carry in MN. Pretti also possessed concealed carry permit.
One can question whether good judgment to bring weapon into this type of heated situation, but he had every legal right to do so.
Bessent: I'm sorry he is dead, but he did bring a semiautomatic weapon to what was supposed to be a peaceful protest.
Karl: There's no evidence that he brandished the gun whatsoever
Bessent: But he brought a gun!
Karl: We do have a second amendment in this country.
Karl: There's no evidence that he brandished the gun whatsoever
Bessent: But he brought a gun!
Karl: We do have a second amendment in this country.
January 25, 2026 at 6:14 PM
No one who supports 2nd Amendment should be ok with what Trump officials are saying.
The law allows open carry in MN. Pretti also possessed concealed carry permit.
One can question whether good judgment to bring weapon into this type of heated situation, but he had every legal right to do so.
The law allows open carry in MN. Pretti also possessed concealed carry permit.
One can question whether good judgment to bring weapon into this type of heated situation, but he had every legal right to do so.
Epstein files?
“Frankly, it would have been an easy fix at the time to include either a direct congressional oversight pathway for enforcement or even for the general public to litigate the claims through special [Freedom of Information Act] provisions.”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
“Frankly, it would have been an easy fix at the time to include either a direct congressional oversight pathway for enforcement or even for the general public to litigate the claims through special [Freedom of Information Act] provisions.”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
What else can be done to force Trump’s DoJ to release all the Epstein files? Legal experts weigh in
The deadline for Trump’s justice department to release the files came and went, but experts say there are still options
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Epstein files?
“Frankly, it would have been an easy fix at the time to include either a direct congressional oversight pathway for enforcement or even for the general public to litigate the claims through special [Freedom of Information Act] provisions.”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
“Frankly, it would have been an easy fix at the time to include either a direct congressional oversight pathway for enforcement or even for the general public to litigate the claims through special [Freedom of Information Act] provisions.”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
I serve on Board of Directors of Center of Ethics & Rule of Law at UPENN's Law School and participated in this exercise back in October 2024. The results were not only of grave concern but disturbingly prescient of what we are now witnessing in real time.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We ran high-level US civil war simulations. Minnesota is exactly how they start | Claire Finkelstein
Developments in Minnesota closely mirror a scenario explored in a 2024 exercise conducted at the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania, which I direct
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:36 PM
I serve on Board of Directors of Center of Ethics & Rule of Law at UPENN's Law School and participated in this exercise back in October 2024. The results were not only of grave concern but disturbingly prescient of what we are now witnessing in real time.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Latest lawsuit we filed against DHS & Secretary Noem for violating 1st Amendment rights of an employee. This arose out of yet another James O'Keefe sting operation & we also sue - for a second time - the woman who was the undercover operative.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Fired DHS worker sues agency after he criticized Noem on alleged fake date
Brandon Wright alleges criticism of the homeland security secretary is protected by the first amendment
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Latest lawsuit we filed against DHS & Secretary Noem for violating 1st Amendment rights of an employee. This arose out of yet another James O'Keefe sting operation & we also sue - for a second time - the woman who was the undercover operative.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
A recent podcast interview with @klasfeldreports.com of @allrisenews.com about my recent security clearance legal victory
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8z...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8z...
Trump LOSES BIG as He's CRUSHED by His Impeachment Nemesis
YouTube video by Legal AF
www.youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:14 PM
A recent podcast interview with @klasfeldreports.com of @allrisenews.com about my recent security clearance legal victory
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8z...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl8z...
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
“If ICE believes that this policy is consistent with the law, why not publicize it? Perhaps they’ve hidden it precisely because it cannot withstand legal scrutiny,” said our Special Counsel, David Kligerman.
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
January 21, 2026 at 10:07 PM
“If ICE believes that this policy is consistent with the law, why not publicize it? Perhaps they’ve hidden it precisely because it cannot withstand legal scrutiny,” said our Special Counsel, David Kligerman.
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
Latest work by the public interest law whistleblower group I co-founded in 2017.
This is quite significant.
This is quite significant.
Shocking revelations from brave @wbaidlaw.bsky.social
clients on a hidden @icegov.bsky.social policy that violates the Constitution and endangers our neighbors everywhere.
clients on a hidden @icegov.bsky.social policy that violates the Constitution and endangers our neighbors everywhere.
Every American - Republican and Democrat - should be outraged by this assault on freedom and privacy.
apnews.com/article/ice-...
apnews.com/article/ice-...
January 22, 2026 at 5:52 AM
Latest work by the public interest law whistleblower group I co-founded in 2017.
This is quite significant.
This is quite significant.
And the organization I helped create - @wbaidlaw.bsky.social - was at the heart of both whistleblower cases.
This new whistleblower report is on par with the Zelensky call - not just because it’s violative of law - but because they also tried to keep people from seeing it. I’ve been doing this for a long time and this is absolutely explosive news. Impeachable and criminal. Swift accountability must follow.
January 22, 2026 at 4:51 AM
And the organization I helped create - @wbaidlaw.bsky.social - was at the heart of both whistleblower cases.
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
I don't know if state bars will go along with this....
SCOOP: The Trump DOJ is preparing to eliminate the ability of U.S. Attorneys to recuse themselves from cases due to conflicts of interest.
A new rule expected to be filed this week will put that power in the hands of Pam Bondi.
A new rule expected to be filed this week will put that power in the hands of Pam Bondi.
DOJ Moves to Eliminate Attorney Recusals in Sweeping Power Shift
Proposed rule would strip prosecutors of ethical independence and place conflict decisions solely in the hands of the attorney general
meidasnews.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:58 PM
I don't know if state bars will go along with this....
A second federal lawsuit was filed in DC today against this woman, who was a paid undercover operative for James O'Keefe. We learned her true identity as part of first lawsuit but real name is currently under seal.
Actions have consequences.
Actions have consequences.
January 19, 2026 at 7:15 PM
A second federal lawsuit was filed in DC today against this woman, who was a paid undercover operative for James O'Keefe. We learned her true identity as part of first lawsuit but real name is currently under seal.
Actions have consequences.
Actions have consequences.
We filed new 1st Amendment lawsuit today against Secretary Kristi Noem & DHS for firing federal employee for expressing private comments & personal views during fake date set up by James O'Keefe's targeted political operations. O'Keefe's paid undercover operative was also sued.
January 19, 2026 at 7:10 PM
We filed new 1st Amendment lawsuit today against Secretary Kristi Noem & DHS for firing federal employee for expressing private comments & personal views during fake date set up by James O'Keefe's targeted political operations. O'Keefe's paid undercover operative was also sued.
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
It was a pleasure to chat about the biggest news stories of the week with @BrianKarem and @MarkZaidEsq. From the Minnesota crisis to Greenland! www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJFO... @briankarem.bsky.social @markzaidesq.bsky.social @projectcensored.bsky.social @cnn.com @msnowreports.bsky.social
Due Process protects the innocent - not the guilty
YouTube video by Brian Karem
www.youtube.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:42 PM
It was a pleasure to chat about the biggest news stories of the week with @BrianKarem and @MarkZaidEsq. From the Minnesota crisis to Greenland! www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJFO... @briankarem.bsky.social @markzaidesq.bsky.social @projectcensored.bsky.social @cnn.com @msnowreports.bsky.social
Happy National Winnie the Pooh day on the birthday of his creator A.A. Milne (1882-1956)!
winnie the pooh is standing in front of a mirror and looking at himself
ALT: winnie the pooh is standing in front of a mirror and looking at himself
media.tenor.com
January 18, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Happy National Winnie the Pooh day on the birthday of his creator A.A. Milne (1882-1956)!
I support Greenland remaining territory of Denmark. Our govt should cease all efforts to intimidate or coerce allies.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't negotiate increased military presence with consent given strategic location. Existing agreements already permit this to happen.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't negotiate increased military presence with consent given strategic location. Existing agreements already permit this to happen.
January 17, 2026 at 7:36 PM
I support Greenland remaining territory of Denmark. Our govt should cease all efforts to intimidate or coerce allies.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't negotiate increased military presence with consent given strategic location. Existing agreements already permit this to happen.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't negotiate increased military presence with consent given strategic location. Existing agreements already permit this to happen.
Video Analysis of ICE Shooting Sheds Light on Contested Moments
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:51 PM
We applaud GOP Members of House Committee on Homeland Security pursuing reports of USG obtaining foreign device that could have caused my clients' Anomalous Health Incidents. I testified before the Committee in May 2024.
Read their letter & my testimony here:
homeland.house.gov/2026/01/15/h...
Read their letter & my testimony here:
homeland.house.gov/2026/01/15/h...
Homeland Republicans Investigate Reports of ‘Havana Syndrome’ Device Acquired by DHS Under the Biden Administration – Committee on Homeland Security
homeland.house.gov
January 15, 2026 at 11:17 PM
We applaud GOP Members of House Committee on Homeland Security pursuing reports of USG obtaining foreign device that could have caused my clients' Anomalous Health Incidents. I testified before the Committee in May 2024.
Read their letter & my testimony here:
homeland.house.gov/2026/01/15/h...
Read their letter & my testimony here:
homeland.house.gov/2026/01/15/h...
Never mind! Understandably bumped by the ongoing events in MN.
But this rare action by DOJ against a reporter should not be permitted to fade away simply because it is overtaken by other events. Indeed, it is likely just one example of many more to come.
But this rare action by DOJ against a reporter should not be permitted to fade away simply because it is overtaken by other events. Indeed, it is likely just one example of many more to come.
I am scheduled to appear tonight on @cnn.com with @lauracoates.com at approximately 11:30 pm EDT to discuss the FBI's unusual search of a Washington Post reporter's home and seizure of her electronics.
Is this the new beginning? I think so.
Is this the new beginning? I think so.
January 15, 2026 at 4:20 AM
Never mind! Understandably bumped by the ongoing events in MN.
But this rare action by DOJ against a reporter should not be permitted to fade away simply because it is overtaken by other events. Indeed, it is likely just one example of many more to come.
But this rare action by DOJ against a reporter should not be permitted to fade away simply because it is overtaken by other events. Indeed, it is likely just one example of many more to come.
I am scheduled to appear tonight on @cnn.com with @lauracoates.com at approximately 11:30 pm EDT to discuss the FBI's unusual search of a Washington Post reporter's home and seizure of her electronics.
Is this the new beginning? I think so.
Is this the new beginning? I think so.
January 15, 2026 at 2:35 AM
I am scheduled to appear tonight on @cnn.com with @lauracoates.com at approximately 11:30 pm EDT to discuss the FBI's unusual search of a Washington Post reporter's home and seizure of her electronics.
Is this the new beginning? I think so.
Is this the new beginning? I think so.
Rule of law prevails
abajournal.com/news/article/whistleblower-lawyer-mark-zaid-says-his-security-clearance-restored
abajournal.com/news/article/whistleblower-lawyer-mark-zaid-says-his-security-clearance-restored
Whistleblower lawyer says his security clearance has been restored
A whistleblower lawyer said in a LinkedIn post Tuesday his access to classified information has been restored months after President Donald Trump announced in a memo that he was revoking the Washington, D.C., lawyer's security clearance.
abajournal.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:25 AM
I've been warning and predicting this for some time. Journalists - and I rep many - do not have 1st Amendment protections from Espionage Act investigations/prosecutions. These are all norms & this Administration does not care to follow them.
Expect more actions like this.
Expect more actions like this.
The FBI searched a Washington Post reporter’s home as part of an investigation into classified material, people familiar with the matter said. It is exceedingly rare for federal agents to search a journalist’s home. trib.al/tKsg85n
January 14, 2026 at 11:32 PM
I've been warning and predicting this for some time. Journalists - and I rep many - do not have 1st Amendment protections from Espionage Act investigations/prosecutions. These are all norms & this Administration does not care to follow them.
Expect more actions like this.
Expect more actions like this.
Every day our fight continues more intensely because every day this Administration takes some step to further undermine the rule of law.
Your help helps us continue the legal defense of federal employees.
Your help helps us continue the legal defense of federal employees.
Help us legally challenge President Trump's unlawful & unconstitutional exercise of power to terminate Senior Executive Service Members such as Mary Comans, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
We need your support!
gofund.me/3d277c98
We need your support!
gofund.me/3d277c98
Donate to Challenge President Trump's Unprecedented Authority, organized by Mark Zaid
This fundraiser is to help us provide pro bono legal representation to M… Mark Zaid needs your support for Challenge President Trump's Unprecedented Authority
gofund.me
January 14, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Every day our fight continues more intensely because every day this Administration takes some step to further undermine the rule of law.
Your help helps us continue the legal defense of federal employees.
Your help helps us continue the legal defense of federal employees.
💯 agree
When DOJ attorneys resign as a matter of principle, it underscores just how corrupt the administration of “justice” has become. Kudos to the Civil Rights Division lawyers who made this wrenching decision for their integrity and dedication to the rule of law.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
DOJ’s top civil rights prosecutors depart as office is cut out of key probes
Prosecutors resigned from the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota as well amid turmoil over an investigation into a shooting by an immigration officer.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:46 PM
💯 agree
Today, we were officially notified by USG that Pres Trump's memo that revoked my security clearance w/o due process is no longer in effect over me. My access eligibility to classified info has been restored.
On Dec 23, 2025, a federal court ruled his action was unconstitutional. Rule of Law wins!
On Dec 23, 2025, a federal court ruled his action was unconstitutional. Rule of Law wins!
January 12, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Today, we were officially notified by USG that Pres Trump's memo that revoked my security clearance w/o due process is no longer in effect over me. My access eligibility to classified info has been restored.
On Dec 23, 2025, a federal court ruled his action was unconstitutional. Rule of Law wins!
On Dec 23, 2025, a federal court ruled his action was unconstitutional. Rule of Law wins!