CNN defamation trial: Plaintiff testifies he lost security clearance in recent courtroom discovery

Zachary Young testified that he does not still have a security clearance, after CNN suggested holding the clearance would indicate he’s still able to find work.

Young's lead counsel Vel Freedman informed Judge Henry on Wednesday that his client had just learned he lost his security clearance, which had been previously renewed right after the CNN report aired. CNN’s legal team had earlier suggested during the trial that Young maintaining a security clearance was proof that he lied about being able to work in the wake of the CNN segment.  Brian Flood is a media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital. Story tips can be sent to brian.flood@fox.com and on Twitter: @briansflood. 

Freedman said Young checked his security clearance status after testifying, and discovered that he actually lost it in 2022. As a result, Freedman sought to inform the jury that Helios Global, the firm that held Young’s now-defunct security clearance, "dissolved" the relationship in 2022.