CNN Correspondent Leaving Network In Disgrace

CNN chief national security correspondent Alex Marquardt, whose 2021 report was found defamatory for portraying U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young as exploiting Afghans, exited the network.

 
In a Monday post on X, Marquardt wrote, “It’s tough to say goodbye, but it’s been an honor to work with the best in the business. Deep gratitude to my National Security team colleagues and incredible teammates in the U.S. and abroad.”

Alex Marquardt

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marquardt played a key role in CNN’s Russia-Ukraine war coverage but faced a defamation lawsuit from Young over a report claiming he charged Afghans excessive fees for evacuation during the U.S.

withdrawal from Afghanistan. In January 2025, a Florida jury awarded Young $5 million, and a settlement was reached before punitive damages were determined, avoiding potentially millions more in penalties. The settlement amount was not disclosed.

The case may have fueled perceptions of CNN bias, especially amid criticism from President Donald Trump. CNN stood by its journalists post-verdict, stating, “We’re proud of our team and fully committed to bold, fair reporting, while learning from this case.”

The contested report, introduced by Jake Tapper, described a “black market” for Afghan evacuations with “exorbitant fees” and no safety guarantees. Marquardt highlighted a man in the U.S. whose family was stuck in Afghanistan, noting that people on Facebook charged $10,000 per person. He cited Afghans and activists, claiming desperate Afghans faced exploitation through “impossible” fees, referencing Young’s LinkedIn post and chat logs about his evacuation services.