Senators Confront Former CDC Director Susan Monarez Over Anti-Trump Lawyer Mark Zaid

Questioning Attorney Hiring Timeline

• 💡 Senators pressed Susan Monarez on the exact timing of hiring her attorneys, specifically whether it was on or before the day she was fired.
• 📌 Monarez stated she retained them the first time she spoke to them, which she believed was on or before her termination.
• ⏰ There was skepticism about her ability to recall the specific time or day she retained counsel, especially if it was late in the evening after business hours.

Refusal to Identify Legal Counsel

• 💬 Monarez was asked to introduce the anti-Trump lawyers present at the hearing who were passing her notes and whispering.
• 🚫 She refused to acknowledge them by name, stating her lawyers were "publicly associated" with her already.
• ⚖️ Senators noted that attorneys are typically not shy about stating their appearances and assisting clients publicly.

Mark Zaid's Anti-Trump Stance

• 🚨 Senators highlighted Mark Zaid's reputation as a leading opponent of President Trump, known for his anti-Trump online activity.
• 🏛️ Zaid was described as being heavily involved in President Trump's first impeachment.
• ⚠️ It was also mentioned that Zaid allegedly advised clients to leave the country if President Trump won the 2024 election.

Monarez's Justification for Hiring Zaid

• 🎯 Monarez stated she sought "critical counsel" immediately after her termination to understand events and prepare for the committee hearing.
• 🤝 She claimed she and Mark Zaid have never discussed politics, and she was "not aware" of the specific anti-Trump details associated with him.
• 📜 Monarez described Zaid as a "well-credentialed counselor" whose political views were not a factor in her decision.

Senatorial Skepticism

• 🤨 Senators expressed astonishment and disbelief at Monarez's claim of being unaware of Mark Zaid's notorious anti-Trump political activities.
• 🗣️ They questioned how she could be so "naive" about his background, especially with him sitting behind her and advising her during the hearing.
• ❌ The senators suggested Monarez had an "honesty issue" regarding her recollections and knowledge.