CNN’s Chief National Security Correspondent Alex Marquardt has exited the network after an eight-year tenure. His departure occurs five months after his reporting was central to a costly defamation trial, which led to a multi-million-dollar damages award against CNN.
Marquardt shared his decision to leave CNN on Monday, June 2, 2025, via a post on X. He described his time at the network as eight terrific years and thanked his colleagues on the National Security team, as well as teammates he collaborated with both domestically and internationally.
Former CNN media correspondent Oliver Darcy indicated that Marquardt was let go due to editorial disagreements with network management. When asked about the departure, CNN declined to comment, citing a policy against discussing personnel matters, though the network did confirm the accuracy of Marquardt’s social media post.
This move follows a significant legal setback for CNN linked to Marquardt’s November 2021 report on private contractors involved in Afghan evacuations during former President Joe Biden’s military withdrawal. The report highlighted U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, who sued for defamation, claiming the coverage damaged his reputation and security consulting business.
In January 2025, a jury in Bay County, Florida, found that CNN had defamed Young through Marquardt’s reporting. The segment, aired on “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” suggested Young was engaged in black market activities and charged excessive fees to Afghans seeking evacuation.
The jury awarded Young five million dollars in compensatory damages after a deliberation lasting less than nine hours following a two-week trial in Panama City, Florida, state court. An undisclosed settlement was reached between CNN and Young before the jury could decide on punitive damages, which the jury foreman suggested might have ranged from 50 to 100 million dollars.
During the trial, internal communications were disclosed, including a message from Marquardt to a CNN colleague stating they would “nail this Zachary Young” using profanity. A CNN producer also made negative remarks about Young’s appearance, describing him as having a punchable face.
Young testified that his business charged corporate sponsors for Afghan evacuations rather than targeting individual residents, contrary to the network’s portrayal of his operations. He asserted that CNN’s coverage labeled him as an illegal profiteer, causing severe harm to his career in the security consulting industry.
Within CNN, Marquardt’s departure is seen as linked to the defamation case, though some employees expressed surprise at the timing, as five months had passed since the trial’s conclusion. One staff member noted that Marquardt had not been involved in any other issues, suggesting the legal case was the primary reason for his dismissal.
After the trial, CNN initially supported Marquardt. A spokesperson described him as an experienced veteran reporter with valuable insights. He continued to appear regularly on-air through late May 2025, even stepping in as a fill-in anchor on Memorial Day.
According to the Status newsletter, Marquardt’s dismissal followed a post-settlement ethics compliance review that CNN initiated earlier this year. The review involved interviews with Marquardt and others linked to the defamatory report. Network leadership communicated the decision to Marquardt on Friday, May 30, citing unspecified editorial differences.
After the January verdict, CNN reiterated its dedication to robust journalism while acknowledging that it would draw lessons from the case. The network emphasized pride in its journalists and its dedication to fearless and fair-minded reporting despite the legal challenge.
Young expressed no forgiveness toward Marquardt after the trial, criticizing the correspondent’s defiant stance during testimony. The Navy veteran noted that Marquardt had several opportunities during depositions and trial proceedings to apologize but opted not to, maintaining pride in his reporting work.
Throughout his career at CNN, Marquardt covered major events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the January 6 Capitol insurrection, and Black Lives Matter protests. Before joining CNN in 2017, he served as a foreign correspondent for ABC News for approximately eight years, with assignments in Moscow, Jerusalem, Beirut, and London.
The veteran journalist has earned multiple accolades, including Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards for an undercover investigation into underage sex trafficking in the Philippines. Marquardt has not announced his next career move following his departure from CNN.
