Click Here Mic Drop: Mark Zaid’s ‘red badge of courage’
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Feb 21, 2025 Mark Zaid, a national security attorney renowned for representing government whistleblowers, shares his recent experiences after the Trump administration revoked his security clearances. He discusses the retaliation faced by officials, drawing parallels with themes from 'The Red Badge of Courage' on bravery and moral dilemmas. Zaid also reflects on the implications of the Trump-Zelensky call, emphasizing the personal costs for whistleblowers. His insights on due process highlight the complexities surrounding security clearances and the ongoing struggle for accountability.
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Wedding Surprise
- Mark Zaid learned about the revocation of his security clearances at a colleague's wedding.
- He received a text message alerting him to a New York Post article revealing the news.
Targeted Retribution
- Mark Zaid, a national security attorney specializing in representing whistleblowers, faces unprecedented retribution.
- He has represented clients across the political spectrum, litigating First Amendment disputes against the US government.
The Ukraine Call Whistleblower
- Mark Zaid represented the first whistleblower who exposed the Trump-Zelensky call, the focus of Trump's first impeachment.
- This call, referred to as the "perfect call" by Trump, centered on a proposed deal with Ukraine.