Mark Zaid Sues Trump Administration Over Security Clearance Revocation

Prominent national security attorney Mark Zaid has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the revocation of his security clearance was politically motivated retaliation tied to his legal work, including representing a whistleblower in Trump's first impeachment. Zaid is among 15 individuals whose clearances were revoked by a March presidential memorandum, a group that includes President Joe Biden and other frequent Trump critics. The lawsuit argues this action undermines constitutional rights, particularly attorneys’ ability to represent clients in classified national security matters without political interference. Zaid and his legal team contend the move is part of a broader campaign of retribution and constitutes an abuse of executive power. He is represented by Abbe Lowell, whose new law firm focuses on defending those targeted by politicized government actions. Zaid asserts that using security clearances as political weapons threatens both his livelihood and the rights of clients seeking legal redress in sensitive government matters.