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
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 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.
My firm has been retained to represent former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and will properly respond to any further Executive or Legislative activities that may occur. Ms. Criswell's formal statement is below:
October 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
My firm has been retained to represent former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and will properly respond to any further Executive or Legislative activities that may occur. Ms. Criswell's formal statement is below:
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
NEW EPISODE!
No Kings, Epstein, and Ukraine/Russia
Dive into the news of the week with our latest ep "Just Ask The Press - Trump Sh*ts On America"
@briankarem.bsky.social @markzaidesq.bsky.social @bennettjohnt.bsky.social
@mswmedia.com
www.justaskthequestion.com/post/just-as...
No Kings, Epstein, and Ukraine/Russia
Dive into the news of the week with our latest ep "Just Ask The Press - Trump Sh*ts On America"
@briankarem.bsky.social @markzaidesq.bsky.social @bennettjohnt.bsky.social
@mswmedia.com
www.justaskthequestion.com/post/just-as...
Just Ask the Press - Trump Sh*ts on America
This conversation delves into the current political landscape, focusing on the Epstein files, Donald Trump's foreign policy, and the recent No Kings Rally. The speakers discuss the implications of ong...
www.justaskthequestion.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
NEW EPISODE!
No Kings, Epstein, and Ukraine/Russia
Dive into the news of the week with our latest ep "Just Ask The Press - Trump Sh*ts On America"
@briankarem.bsky.social @markzaidesq.bsky.social @bennettjohnt.bsky.social
@mswmedia.com
www.justaskthequestion.com/post/just-as...
No Kings, Epstein, and Ukraine/Russia
Dive into the news of the week with our latest ep "Just Ask The Press - Trump Sh*ts On America"
@briankarem.bsky.social @markzaidesq.bsky.social @bennettjohnt.bsky.social
@mswmedia.com
www.justaskthequestion.com/post/just-as...
Gosh, if only he had any connections to release all the files
Eric Trump has unanswered questions about the assassination attempt on his father.
Watch the full video, here: https://loom.ly/Fx5xyR0
Watch the full video, here: https://loom.ly/Fx5xyR0
October 18, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Gosh, if only he had any connections to release all the files
"The reality is this is incredibly common among senior officials. They never believe − in good faith − that they have created a classified document," Zaid told USA TODAY. "They invariably believe they worked around it."
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
John Bolton pleads not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information
John Bolton, former national security adviser of President Trump, surrendered to authorities and appeared in federal court following his indictment.
www.usatoday.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:19 AM
"The reality is this is incredibly common among senior officials. They never believe − in good faith − that they have created a classified document," Zaid told USA TODAY. "They invariably believe they worked around it."
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
The Administration’s senseless, malicious rampage against federal prosecutors for simply upholding their constitutional oath is destroying the Justice Department and torpedoing the careers of good men and women who have devoted their lives to protecting our country.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Prosecutor Who Rejected Trump’s Pressure to Charge James Is Fired
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 12:50 AM
The Administration’s senseless, malicious rampage against federal prosecutors for simply upholding their constitutional oath is destroying the Justice Department and torpedoing the careers of good men and women who have devoted their lives to protecting our country.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer ... called the indictment of Bolton "far, far weaker (and more customary of conduct by senior govt officials) than allegations against President Trump in stealing & storing marked classified documents at Mar-a-Lago."
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer ... called the indictment of Bolton "far, far weaker (and more customary of conduct by senior govt officials) than allegations against President Trump in stealing & storing marked classified documents at Mar-a-Lago."
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Reposted by Mark Zaid, Esq
JUST IN: Judge Mehta threatens contempt and bar sanctions for attorney Carolyn Stewart — who has repped numerous Jan. 6 defendants and pardon recipients — over filing a motion with “fabricated” citations to local rules and refusing to correct it.
October 17, 2025 at 2:45 PM
JUST IN: Judge Mehta threatens contempt and bar sanctions for attorney Carolyn Stewart — who has repped numerous Jan. 6 defendants and pardon recipients — over filing a motion with “fabricated” citations to local rules and refusing to correct it.
Look for me at the top of the 11 pm hour EDT tonight on @cnn.com to discuss Bolton's indictment with @lauracoates.com
Everyone can read Bolton's indictment & judge as they want, but this is far, far weaker (and more customary of conduct by senior govt officials) than allegations against President Trump in stealing & storing marked classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
I've handled countless classified prepublication & Espionage Act cases. Bolton indictment, which is very similar to Gen Petraeus case (2 years probation, $100k fine), should raise concerns for every senior govt official who writes a book.
Because this is generally how it is done.
Because this is generally how it is done.
October 17, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Look for me at the top of the 11 pm hour EDT tonight on @cnn.com to discuss Bolton's indictment with @lauracoates.com
Everyone can read Bolton's indictment & judge as they want, but this is far, far weaker (and more customary of conduct by senior govt officials) than allegations against President Trump in stealing & storing marked classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
I've handled countless classified prepublication & Espionage Act cases. Bolton indictment, which is very similar to Gen Petraeus case (2 years probation, $100k fine), should raise concerns for every senior govt official who writes a book.
Because this is generally how it is done.
Because this is generally how it is done.
Happening now: DOJ has charged John Bolton, a former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who became one of his fiercest critics, for his mishandling classified material.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Indictment: assets.bwbx.io/documents/us...
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Indictment: assets.bwbx.io/documents/us...
October 16, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Everyone can read Bolton's indictment & judge as they want, but this is far, far weaker (and more customary of conduct by senior govt officials) than allegations against President Trump in stealing & storing marked classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
I've handled countless classified prepublication & Espionage Act cases. Bolton indictment, which is very similar to Gen Petraeus case (2 years probation, $100k fine), should raise concerns for every senior govt official who writes a book.
Because this is generally how it is done.
Because this is generally how it is done.
Happening now: DOJ has charged John Bolton, a former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who became one of his fiercest critics, for his mishandling classified material.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Indictment: assets.bwbx.io/documents/us...
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Indictment: assets.bwbx.io/documents/us...
October 16, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I've handled countless classified prepublication & Espionage Act cases. Bolton indictment, which is very similar to Gen Petraeus case (2 years probation, $100k fine), should raise concerns for every senior govt official who writes a book.
Because this is generally how it is done.
Because this is generally how it is done.
According to two people who are violating all sorts of norms & policies and possibly laws.
The Trump Administration cares less about what final result will be in this or other cases. It's about the public show & making his political adversaries suffer.
The Trump Administration cares less about what final result will be in this or other cases. It's about the public show & making his political adversaries suffer.
The Justice Department will ask a grand jury Thursday afternoon in Greenbelt, Md., to indict John Bolton, a former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who became one of his fiercest critics, according to two people familiar with the matter.
DOJ Will Ask Grand Jury to Indict Trump Critic Bolton Thursday
The Justice Department will ask a grand jury Thursday afternoon in Greenbelt, Md., to indict John Bolton, a former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who became one of his fiercest critics, according to two people familiar with the matter.
bloom.bg
October 16, 2025 at 2:09 PM
According to two people who are violating all sorts of norms & policies and possibly laws.
The Trump Administration cares less about what final result will be in this or other cases. It's about the public show & making his political adversaries suffer.
The Trump Administration cares less about what final result will be in this or other cases. It's about the public show & making his political adversaries suffer.
As one who has litigated FOIA cases for over 30 years, this decision is consistent with applicable law and policy.
As the Court notes, "record evidence establishes that any privacy interest of Musk’s is outweighed by the substantial public interests in disclosure."
As the Court notes, "record evidence establishes that any privacy interest of Musk’s is outweighed by the substantial public interests in disclosure."
JUST IN: A federal judge has granted the New York Times’ demand for a list of Elon Musk’s security clearances. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
October 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM
As one who has litigated FOIA cases for over 30 years, this decision is consistent with applicable law and policy.
As the Court notes, "record evidence establishes that any privacy interest of Musk’s is outweighed by the substantial public interests in disclosure."
As the Court notes, "record evidence establishes that any privacy interest of Musk’s is outweighed by the substantial public interests in disclosure."
My law partner @bradmossesq.bsky.social weighs in on the newly ordered polygraphs. Pure show.
www.cbsnews.com/news/dni-tul...
www.cbsnews.com/news/dni-tul...
DNI Tulsi Gabbard orders U.S. intel agency leaders to stem leaks
DNI Tulsi Gabbard issued a directive to review polygraph policies and curb press leaks, echoing actions taken by the Bush and Obama administrations.
www.cbsnews.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:56 AM
My law partner @bradmossesq.bsky.social weighs in on the newly ordered polygraphs. Pure show.
www.cbsnews.com/news/dni-tul...
www.cbsnews.com/news/dni-tul...
On direct pathway to a constitutional crisis. Intentionally and deliberately.
www.axios.com/2025/10/06/n...
www.axios.com/2025/10/06/n...
MAGA calls for Trump to overrule judges on National Guard deployments
Trump's base has embraced the idea that court rulings should not constrain his powers as commander-in-chief.
www.axios.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:59 PM
On direct pathway to a constitutional crisis. Intentionally and deliberately.
www.axios.com/2025/10/06/n...
www.axios.com/2025/10/06/n...
If you didn't realize this earlier, this latest action by the Administration amply demonstrates it does not have the back of federal workers.
www.govexec.com/pay-benefits...
www.govexec.com/pay-benefits...
OMB deletes reference to law guaranteeing backpay to furloughed feds from shutdown guidance
An Office of Management and Budget FAQ document now states that only excepted employees forced to work without pay are guaranteed backpay at the conclusion of a lapse in appropriations.
www.govexec.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:07 PM
If you didn't realize this earlier, this latest action by the Administration amply demonstrates it does not have the back of federal workers.
www.govexec.com/pay-benefits...
www.govexec.com/pay-benefits...