Mark Zaid sues Trump over revoked security clearance

In the United States, a prominent attorney named Mark Zaid filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after his security clearance was revoked in a controversial move deemed as political retribution. The lawsuit, documented in a federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that the decision harms Zaid's ability to lawfully represent clients in national security cases requiring classified information. Zaid's clearance was revoked by a presidential memorandum issued by Donald Trump in March 2025, which categorized Zaid among a group of individuals targeted for their perceived opposition to Trump's agenda, including several high-profile political figures and legal professionals. The memorandum claimed it was 'no longer in the national interest' for Zaid and others to maintain access to classified materials, effectively hindering their professional capacities. The complaint illustrated how Zaid, who has a lengthy career representing whistleblowers across different administrations, faces significant challenges since the revocation, including being denied access to classified information necessary for ongoing client matters. His experience and qualifications qualify him as a reliable asset for clients needing expert advice on national security issues. Additionally, the lawsuit expresses concerns about the overall implications of the presidential memorandum, suggesting that it threatens the constitutional right to seek legal representation without fear of governmental retribution. Zaid describes the action as an attack on fundamental rights and raises alarms regarding the politicization of security clearances as tools against those politically opposed to the administration. This lawsuit encapsulates a broader narrative surrounding Trump's approach to legal practitioners viewed as adversaries and the chilling consequences for freedom and legal representation that might emerge as a result of such actions. The team representing Zaid, which includes notable attorney Abbe Lowell, emphasizes the risks not only to Zaid's career but also to the legal landscape where political grievances could distort legal processes and hinder effective representation of clients in sensitive cases. The lawsuit seeks to have the presidential memorandum declared unconstitutional, demanding restoration of Zaid's security clearance, and a judicial review of the decision-making behind such significant actions against attorneys in the national security field.