Click Here Podcast: "Mic Drop: Mark Zaid’s ‘Red Badge of Courage’"
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Dina Temple-Raston
Guest: Marc Zaid
Introduction
In the episode titled "Mic Drop: Mark Zaid’s ‘Red Badge of Courage’," Dina Temple-Raston delves into the tumultuous experiences of Marc Zaid, a prominent national security attorney renowned for representing government whistleblowers across the political spectrum. The conversation unveils the recent challenges Zaid faces, specifically a targeted campaign of retribution orchestrated by the Trump administration following his involvement in high-profile whistleblower cases.
Marc Zaid: The National Security Attorney
Marc Zaid introduces himself humorously yet poignantly, highlighting the unique and often misunderstood nature of his profession:
Marc Zaid [00:48]: "I always describe that I am a national security attorney. I am an attorney for spies. Usually, my malpractice insurance company doesn't understand what that means. So I am an employment lawyer. But I am one for spies."
With over three decades of experience, Zaid has become the go-to lawyer for whistleblowers from both Republican and Democrat administrations. His expertise lies in navigating the complex legal landscapes that protect individuals within the classified realms of government agencies like the CIA.
A Campaign of Retaliation
The heart of the episode centers on the Trump administration's recent actions against Zaid, marking a significant shift in how former administrations treat legal representatives of whistleblowers. After the Trump administration took office, numerous protective details were withdrawn from high-ranking officials, and media members were ousted from key positions within the Pentagon and the White House. Among those singled out was Marc Zaid himself.
Dina Temple-Raston [01:04]: "For decades now, he's represented a huge array of government whistleblowers, both Republican and Democrat. But now he's seeing something he's never really seen before, a campaign of retribution and revenge that is targeting a lot of the people who have traditionally been his clients."
Zaid recounts the moment he learned of the administration's move against him:
Marc Zaid [01:38]: "I was at a wedding of a colleague when text messages and actually reporters had started calling but I wasn't paying attention because I was at the wedding. And then I got a text message from a colleague that said something to the effect of 'so sorry to hear what happened.' And I was like, 'what are you talking about? What happened?' And he's like, 'Trump took your clearance away.'"
The Ukraine Call and Impeachment
Zaid's involvement in the Trump-Zelensky call dispute is a pivotal element leading to his current predicament. He represented the initial whistleblower who brought to light the controversial 2019 phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky—a call that became central to the first impeachment hearings against Trump.
Dina Temple-Raston [05:09]: "The thing that's probably put Mark Zaid in Trump's crosshairs has to do with Ukraine and a phone call. He represents the first whistleblower who flagged the now infamous 2019 Trump Zelensky call."
Zaid expresses confusion over why the administration targeted him long after the call became public and after his clearances had previously been affirmed:
Marc Zaid [07:34]: "I have never been either a Democrat or Republican. As Jerry Seinfeld says, there's nothing wrong with that. I have been a registered independent my entire adult life. I have gone out of my way to represent both right wing and left wing causes and clients. In fact, the only job offers I've ever had in the government have been from Republicans."
Despite the initial acquittal following Trump's first impeachment trial, Zaid's clearances not only remained intact but were also expanded, allowing him continued access to sensitive cases, including those involving the Department of Homeland Security.
Escalating Retaliation
Despite maintaining professionalism and legal integrity, Zaid finds himself increasingly targeted. The New York Post reported that his security clearances were revoked simultaneously with actions against other high-profile figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, both of whom were prosecuting Trump-related cases.
Dina Temple-Raston [07:01]: "Allegedly, Mark's clearances were stripped at the same time as people like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney. They both brought business cases against Trump and, among other things, charged him with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to a porn star. Mark's transgression, according to the New York Post story, was that he was an anti Trumper, which he says is just crazy talk."
Zaid vehemently denies any partisan bias, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to representing clients across the political spectrum:
Marc Zaid [07:58]: "I have never been either a Democrat or Republican. As Jerry Seinfeld says, there's nothing wrong with that. I have been a registered independent my entire adult life. I have gone out of my way to represent both right wing and left wing causes and clients."
He criticizes the Trump administration's misuse of the justice system and intelligence community to target perceived enemies indiscriminately:
Marc Zaid [08:07]: "What we have seen is the mobilization of it to an extent we have never seen before, probably for the most part, in many of our lifetimes. The Trump administration in particular is really going out of their way to target anyone who it perceives to be an enemy, and at times is capturing people who, frankly had nothing to do with things. I mean, kind of think they're catching dolphins in the tuna net."
Current Challenges and Future Actions
Zaid remains uncertain about the status of his security clearances, having received no official notification from the U.S. Government:
Marc Zaid [10:58]: "I have received no official notification from the US Government with respect to my clearance. The most I know is what was said in the New York Post."
He underscores the lack of procedural safeguards in the revocation of clearances, which theoretically should afford individuals the opportunity to defend themselves:
Marc Zaid [11:11]: "In a normal world, we are supposed to have procedural, if not substantive due process protections. You're not supposed to just be able to revoke or deny someone's clearance without their opportunity to defend it. So theoretically, I can go and challenge the fact that I was denied due process."
Despite these challenges, Zaid remains resolute in his fight against what he perceives as unjust retaliation:
Marc Zaid [11:36]: "I am picking my fights and any effort to go against me or my client simply emboldens me to fight harder. And I will. And so up to you, President Trump."
Involvement in Current Administration Issues
Ironically, Zaid continues to engage with current administration matters, such as assisting Trump-appointed officials in securing their security clearances. Additionally, he is involved in representing victims of the so-called Havana Syndrome—diplomatic personnel in Cuba experiencing unexplained health issues, which some attribute to new weaponry. Zaid alleges a possible Biden administration cover-up regarding these incidents and is actively working to bring these whistleblowers to Capitol Hill for investigation.
Marc Zaid [09:35]: "There are very senior people in this administration, Trump wise, who I am already representing and have been for years."
However, this involvement further complicates his relationship with the prevailing administration, potentially exacerbating the threat against his professional standing.
Conclusion
Marc Zaid’s story, as presented in this episode of "Click Here," underscores the precarious position of national security attorneys who navigate the intricate and often perilous intersection of law, intelligence, and politics. His unwavering dedication to representing whistleblowers, regardless of political affiliation, highlights the challenges of maintaining legal integrity in an environment where administrations may seek to undermine dissenting voices. Zaid’s resilience and commitment to due process serve as a testament to the enduring struggle for accountability and transparency within the U.S. government.
Notable Quotes
- Marc Zaid [00:48]: "I am an attorney for spies... I am one for spies."
- Marc Zaid [01:38]: "Trump took your clearance away."
- Marc Zaid [08:07]: "The Trump administration... is really going out of their way to target anyone who it perceives to be an enemy... catching dolphins in the tuna net."
- Marc Zaid [11:36]: "Any effort to go against me or my client simply emboldens me to fight harder. And I will. And so up to you, President Trump."
About the Podcast
"Click Here" by Recorded Future News, hosted by Dina Temple-Raston, explores true stories about the individuals shaping the digital landscape. Focusing on cybersecurity and intelligence without the technical jargon, the podcast offers listeners an inside look at ransomware attacks, hacker activities, and the efforts to combat digital threats. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday, blending investigative journalism with compelling narratives.
Produced by: Sean Powers, Megan Dietree, Erica Gaeda, and Dina Temple-Raston
Edited by: Karen Duffin