Alex Marquardt, CNN’s chief national security correspondent, announced his departure from the network following a high-profile defamation lawsuit tied to a controversial 2021 report. His exit marks the end of an eight-year tenure at CNN, where he gained prominence for his coverage of major international events, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Marquardt expressed gratitude for his colleagues, stating, “Tough to say goodbye but it’s been an honor to work among the very best in the business.” He thanked his teammates on the National Security team for their collaboration both in the U.S. and abroad.
The defamation case revolves around a report implicating Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, in allegedly charging excessive fees to Afghan nationals seeking evacuation following the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. In January, a jury in Florida ruled in favor of Young, awarding him $5 million. Subsequently, a settlement was reached before punitive damages could be resolved, keeping the specific terms undisclosed.
Marquardt’s report, which was part of a segment led by fellow anchor Jake Tapper, generated considerable backlash, particularly from critics who perceived it as biased amid ongoing tensions between CNN and then-President Donald Trump. After the jury’s ruling, CNN maintained its commitment to “strong, fearless and fair-minded reporting,” although it acknowledged the importance of learning from the case.
The contentious segment described the evacuation efforts and highlighted the challenges faced by Afghans amidst high fees demanded by individuals offering assistance. Marquardt indicated that desperate Afghans were being exploited, citing conversations with those seeking help along with problematic interactions on social media.
Discovery proceedings unveiled troubling internal communications, reflecting a disregard for evidence countering the network’s narrative. In one instance, Marquardt expressed strong sentiment towards Young, indicating a personal animus against the plaintiff, while a producer referred to him derogatorily.
CNN has opted not to comment further on the matter. Prior to his time at CNN, Marquardt served as a foreign correspondent for ABC News for nearly the same duration. His career has been recognized with multiple awards, including Emmy and Edward R. Murrow honors.
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