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
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
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
Today we filed 1st Amendment lawsuit against AG Pam Bondi & Dept of Justice for illegal firing of senior official w/o any due process for personal comments of public interest he made on private date that turned out to be targeted O'Keefe operation.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Former DOJ official whose remarks about Epstein files were recorded sues over firing
In the lawsuit, Joseph Schnitt claims he was secretly recorded during private conversations with a woman he met on Hinge.
www.politico.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Today we filed 1st Amendment lawsuit against AG Pam Bondi & Dept of Justice for illegal firing of senior official w/o any due process for personal comments of public interest he made on private date that turned out to be targeted O'Keefe operation.
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Unbelievable our own US Ambassador would meet with someone who betrayed our country - even if for an ally (and btw it was mostly for money) - and in our Embassy.
We still have difficulty w/@CIA clearance cases involving Israel bc of animosity towards Pollard even aft 40 years
We still have difficulty w/@CIA clearance cases involving Israel bc of animosity towards Pollard even aft 40 years
Ambassador Mike Huckabee, President Trump’s envoy to Israel, met at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in July with Jonathan Pollard, an American who spent 30 years in prison for spying for Israel, Pollard said. The unusual meeting appeared to be a sharp break with years of precedent for U.S. diplomats.
Ambassador Huckabee Held Meeting With Jonathan Pollard, Ex-Spy, at U.S. Embassy in Israel
Jonathan J. Pollard, who was convicted of espionage, said in an interview that the meeting, which was highly unusual for a U.S. diplomat to attend, had been friendly.
nyti.ms
November 22, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Unbelievable our own US Ambassador would meet with someone who betrayed our country - even if for an ally (and btw it was mostly for money) - and in our Embassy.
We still have difficulty w/@CIA clearance cases involving Israel bc of animosity towards Pollard even aft 40 years
We still have difficulty w/@CIA clearance cases involving Israel bc of animosity towards Pollard even aft 40 years
Great success tonight for my client RR Auctions in achieving a nearly $1,000,000 sale of the CIA Kryptos sculpture secrets!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/s...
Anonymous Bidder Pays Nearly $1 Million for Secret to Decode C.I.A. Sculpture
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Great success tonight for my client RR Auctions in achieving a nearly $1,000,000 sale of the CIA Kryptos sculpture secrets!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/s...
A Coast Guard official who had seen the new wording called the policy changes chilling.
“We don’t deserve the trust of the nation if we’re unclear about the divisiveness of swastikas,” the official said.
Ya think?
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“We don’t deserve the trust of the nation if we’re unclear about the divisiveness of swastikas,” the official said.
Ya think?
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:47 PM
A Coast Guard official who had seen the new wording called the policy changes chilling.
“We don’t deserve the trust of the nation if we’re unclear about the divisiveness of swastikas,” the official said.
Ya think?
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“We don’t deserve the trust of the nation if we’re unclear about the divisiveness of swastikas,” the official said.
Ya think?
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Proud to serve as an attorney for Congressman Yev Vindman (@gene4va.bsky.social)
Rep. Eugene Vindman calls for release of Trump-MBS call transcript about Khashoggi share.google/vvFZJxX1ddVj...
Rep. Eugene Vindman calls for release of Trump-MBS call transcript about Khashoggi share.google/vvFZJxX1ddVj...
share.google
November 19, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Proud to serve as an attorney for Congressman Yev Vindman (@gene4va.bsky.social)
Rep. Eugene Vindman calls for release of Trump-MBS call transcript about Khashoggi share.google/vvFZJxX1ddVj...
Rep. Eugene Vindman calls for release of Trump-MBS call transcript about Khashoggi share.google/vvFZJxX1ddVj...
For those who don't think this is a problem, think again.
NEWS: During a hearing in federal court in VA, prosecutors confirmed that the operative indictment in the case against James Comey was never shown to or voted on by the entire grand jury before it was presented in open court.
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
Defense counsel argued that’s a complete bar to further prosecution
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 PM
For those who don't think this is a problem, think again.
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
Trump is planning on stripping tens of thousands of public servants of their whistleblower protections.
Here's what our lead counsel @AndrewBakaj had to say: "This is not accountability, this is retaliation masquerading as reform."
Read more below. ⬇️
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
Here's what our lead counsel @AndrewBakaj had to say: "This is not accountability, this is retaliation masquerading as reform."
Read more below. ⬇️
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
Whistleblower Aid Fires Back Against Rule to Silence Whistleblowers - Whistleblower Aid
WASHINGTON, D.C., NOVEMBER 18, 2025 - In response to reporting that the Trump Administration is preparing to strip tens of thousands of senior career federal employees of long-standing whistleblower p...
whistlebloweraid.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Trump is planning on stripping tens of thousands of public servants of their whistleblower protections.
Here's what our lead counsel @AndrewBakaj had to say: "This is not accountability, this is retaliation masquerading as reform."
Read more below. ⬇️
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
Here's what our lead counsel @AndrewBakaj had to say: "This is not accountability, this is retaliation masquerading as reform."
Read more below. ⬇️
whistlebloweraid.org/whistleblowe...
First they came for whistleblower laws, but I didn't speak out bc it didn't impact me
Then they came for WB'ers & their lawyers, but I didn't speak out bc I was neither
Then they came for me & no one was left to speak out.
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Then they came for WB'ers & their lawyers, but I didn't speak out bc I was neither
Then they came for me & no one was left to speak out.
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
www.reuters.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:47 PM
First they came for whistleblower laws, but I didn't speak out bc it didn't impact me
Then they came for WB'ers & their lawyers, but I didn't speak out bc I was neither
Then they came for me & no one was left to speak out.
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Then they came for WB'ers & their lawyers, but I didn't speak out bc I was neither
Then they came for me & no one was left to speak out.
www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
"This case addresses a much broader issue than just one plaintiff but challenges unconstitutional efforts by the Trump Administration to censor individuals’ private views, which represents an ongoing threat to everything we value sacred in our country," Zaid told NBC.
share.google/jAZOHy1juj9F...
share.google/jAZOHy1juj9F...
Former federal employee sues government after allegedly being fired for Facebook comments about Kirk's assassination
The U.S. Coast Guard contractor alleges he was fired "in retaliation for his private speech on a matter of significant national interest and attention," violating his First Amendment rights, according...
share.google
November 16, 2025 at 2:30 AM
"This case addresses a much broader issue than just one plaintiff but challenges unconstitutional efforts by the Trump Administration to censor individuals’ private views, which represents an ongoing threat to everything we value sacred in our country," Zaid told NBC.
share.google/jAZOHy1juj9F...
share.google/jAZOHy1juj9F...
I've handled polygraph cases for over 25 years & regularly lecture on topic. I've sued FBI over its policies. I've also rep'd many polygraphers & American Polygraph Association.
My knowledge is broad on both sides.
This is not how FBI or USG historically operates & is very disconcerting.
My knowledge is broad on both sides.
This is not how FBI or USG historically operates & is very disconcerting.
HOLY SCOOP: FBI Director Kash Patel Waived Polygraph Security Screening for Dan Bongino, Two Other Senior Staff @williamturton.bsky.social @chrisbing.bsky.social
FBI Director Kash Patel Waived Polygraph Security Screening for Dan Bongino, Two Other Senior Staff
As the FBI’s deputy director, Bongino receives some of the country’s most sensitive secrets, including the President’s Daily Brief. His ascent to that position without passing a standard bureau backgr...
www.propublica.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I've handled polygraph cases for over 25 years & regularly lecture on topic. I've sued FBI over its policies. I've also rep'd many polygraphers & American Polygraph Association.
My knowledge is broad on both sides.
This is not how FBI or USG historically operates & is very disconcerting.
My knowledge is broad on both sides.
This is not how FBI or USG historically operates & is very disconcerting.
Our legal team just filed the 1st known lawsuit dealing with unconstitutional federal govt involvement in an employment termination in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's murder.
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Our legal team just filed the 1st known lawsuit dealing with unconstitutional federal govt involvement in an employment termination in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's murder.
Rule of law exemplified. Reagan appointed federal Judge who has resigned because President Donald Trump is using the law for partisan purposes, targeting his adversaries while sparing his friends and donors from investigation, prosecution, and possible punishment
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why I Am Resigning
A federal judge explains his reasoning for leaving the bench.
www.theatlantic.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Rule of law exemplified. Reagan appointed federal Judge who has resigned because President Donald Trump is using the law for partisan purposes, targeting his adversaries while sparing his friends and donors from investigation, prosecution, and possible punishment
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Proud to announce that my law firm was publicly recognized in the 2026 (16th edition) of Best Law Firms®.
November 8, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Proud to announce that my law firm was publicly recognized in the 2026 (16th edition) of Best Law Firms®.
Trump hosted 'Great Gatsby' Halloween party hours before SNAP funding lapsed - ABC News share.google/kqq54dj2IrRs...
Trump hosted 'Great Gatsby' Halloween party hours before SNAP funding lapsed
President Donald Trump has come under fire after he hosted a "Great Gatsby" themed Halloween party just hours before millions of Americans lost their SNAP benefits.
share.google
November 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Trump hosted 'Great Gatsby' Halloween party hours before SNAP funding lapsed - ABC News share.google/kqq54dj2IrRs...
Trump openly hosting lavish party w/excess food & drink while tens of millions of Americans, especially children, face loss of SNAP food is exactly what F. Scott Fitzgerald decried against & reflects Trump's actual views on his true American kingdom.
share.google/Ppxoa03vOoF8...
share.google/Ppxoa03vOoF8...
November 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Trump openly hosting lavish party w/excess food & drink while tens of millions of Americans, especially children, face loss of SNAP food is exactly what F. Scott Fitzgerald decried against & reflects Trump's actual views on his true American kingdom.
share.google/Ppxoa03vOoF8...
share.google/Ppxoa03vOoF8...
October 31, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Although the fed govt is currently shutdown, our legal efforts to support fired employees still continues. They stood up against this Administration or were even fired for no meaningful reason.
We could not provide pro bono legal representation to protect their interests were it not for you!
We could not provide pro bono legal representation to protect their interests were it not for you!
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
October 30, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Although the fed govt is currently shutdown, our legal efforts to support fired employees still continues. They stood up against this Administration or were even fired for no meaningful reason.
We could not provide pro bono legal representation to protect their interests were it not for you!
We could not provide pro bono legal representation to protect their interests were it not for you!
I support the effort by my client @milestaylor.bsky.social.
“Defy Trump, TOGETHER. Sign the declaration at defiance.org. Unless you want a dictator — in which case, carry on.”
“Defy Trump, TOGETHER. Sign the declaration at defiance.org. Unless you want a dictator — in which case, carry on.”
DEFIANCE.org | Defy Trump, Together
Join a club of courageous Americans taking lawful, peaceful action to defend democracy and oppose political retaliation. Support causes and stay informed with DEFIANCE.org.
defiance.org
October 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
I support the effort by my client @milestaylor.bsky.social.
“Defy Trump, TOGETHER. Sign the declaration at defiance.org. Unless you want a dictator — in which case, carry on.”
“Defy Trump, TOGETHER. Sign the declaration at defiance.org. Unless you want a dictator — in which case, carry on.”
I know the feeling. Doesn't stop us as a small law firm from fighting for govt accountability and protecting federal employees, regardless of the political regime in power.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Nation’s biggest law firms back off from challenging Trump policies
The pace generated by more than 390 lawsuits challenging Trump administration actions has lawyers from many firms working around-the-clock.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
I know the feeling. Doesn't stop us as a small law firm from fighting for govt accountability and protecting federal employees, regardless of the political regime in power.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Absolutely unacceptable FBI/DOJ conduct.
But has nothing to do w/Biden Admin or partisan politics. Common practice for years & we pushed back all the time.
If anyone thinks Trump's first term FBI/DOJ didn't act similarly, I have a bridge to sell you.
www.foxnews.com/politics/hou...
But has nothing to do w/Biden Admin or partisan politics. Common practice for years & we pushed back all the time.
If anyone thinks Trump's first term FBI/DOJ didn't act similarly, I have a bridge to sell you.
www.foxnews.com/politics/hou...
House Republicans accuse Biden's FBI of retaliating against whistleblower who exposed misconduct
FBI denied attorney representation to Emily Fertitta during security clearance interviews after her husband, Special Agent Valentine Fertitta, exposed agency misconduct, according to the House Judicia...
www.foxnews.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Absolutely unacceptable FBI/DOJ conduct.
But has nothing to do w/Biden Admin or partisan politics. Common practice for years & we pushed back all the time.
If anyone thinks Trump's first term FBI/DOJ didn't act similarly, I have a bridge to sell you.
www.foxnews.com/politics/hou...
But has nothing to do w/Biden Admin or partisan politics. Common practice for years & we pushed back all the time.
If anyone thinks Trump's first term FBI/DOJ didn't act similarly, I have a bridge to sell you.
www.foxnews.com/politics/hou...
That's absurd. They're clearly being narrow minded in looking for attorneys because there are tons of us who would not hesitate to continue the fight.
We have reached the point where the *American Bar Association* cannot find attorneys willing to represent them in litigation against the Trump administration.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
October 26, 2025 at 10:56 PM
That's absurd. They're clearly being narrow minded in looking for attorneys because there are tons of us who would not hesitate to continue the fight.
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
If you are a service member or civil servant ordered to perform an operation in spite of concerns you raised about their legality, you have lawful options to blow the whistle. They do not involve leaking to the press.
Consult with qualified counsel. You can honor your Oath without breaking the law.
Consult with qualified counsel. You can honor your Oath without breaking the law.
Boat strikes put US service members in legal jeopardy:
"Some junior officers have asked military lawyers, known as judge advocates general or JAGs, for written sign-off before taking part in strikes .... It does not appear that such memos were furnished, said one of the people."
"Some junior officers have asked military lawyers, known as judge advocates general or JAGs, for written sign-off before taking part in strikes .... It does not appear that such memos were furnished, said one of the people."
Top Democrats demand details of spy agencies’ role in boat strikes
Democrats are demanding that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard share intelligence on lethal operations against alleged narcotics traffickers.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 25, 2025 at 3:52 PM
If you are a service member or civil servant ordered to perform an operation in spite of concerns you raised about their legality, you have lawful options to blow the whistle. They do not involve leaking to the press.
Consult with qualified counsel. You can honor your Oath without breaking the law.
Consult with qualified counsel. You can honor your Oath without breaking the law.