Liberal network CNN has shown the door to correspondent Chief National Security Correspondent Alex Marquardt, following a costly defamation lawsuit that cost the network millions.
U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young won a $5 million judgment against the liberal news outlet after being falsely accused of exploiting Afghan refugees.
The damning evidence revealed CNN’s reporter vowed to “nail this Zachary Young mf—er” before even completing his investigation.
Young secured a decisive legal victory against CNN when a Florida jury found the network liable for defamation.
The case centered on Marquardt’s November 2021 report, which aired on Jake Tapper’s program “The Lead. ”
The report falsely accused Young of price gouging during emergency evacuation services following the Biden administration’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.
The jury’s verdict was clear – CNN had maliciously targeted Young.
Internal messages revealed Marquardt’s true intentions when he wrote, “We gonna nail this Zachary Young mf—er,” before completing his investigation.
This smoking-gun evidence demonstrated the network’s blatant disregard for journalistic ethics and fair reporting.
The lamestream network initially attempted to stand by their reporter despite the damning evidence.
“Alex is on our air because he is an experienced, veteran reporter with valuable insights on the news,” a CNN spokesperson claimed defensively during the trial proceedings.
However, this support evaporated once the $5 million verdict came down, with insiders confirming what viewers already suspected.
The network ultimately reached an undisclosed settlement with Young before punitive damages could be calculated, a strategy likely intended to avoid even greater financial penalties.
Furthermore, legal experts suggested the final payment substantially exceeded the initial $5 million award, as the media scrambled to limit further damage to its finances and reputation.
Throughout the trial, evidence mounted that CNN had deliberately ignored information contradicting its predetermined narrative.
Despite claiming to be a news organization committed to factual reporting, the network pushed forward with accusations against Young that they knew or should have known were false.
Marquardt continued appearing on CNN throughout the trial, highlighting the network’s initial reluctance to hold anyone accountable.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized CNN for its biased coverage, and this case provides fresh ammunition for those allegations.
The network that routinely accuses others of spreading “misinformation” was itself caught red-handed fabricating a hit piece against an American veteran who was helping evacuate people from Afghanistan after Biden’s disastrous withdrawal.
This weak response speaks volumes about CNN’s priorities.
Rather than acknowledge the serious ethical breach and apologize sincerely to Young, the network chose to settle the case quietly and only then conducted a “post-settlement ethics compliance review” that ultimately led to Marquardt’s departure.
Even in defeat, CNN could not bring itself to admit its fundamental failure to uphold basic journalistic standards.
Marquardt, who previously worked as a foreign correspondent for ABC News, posted a tepid farewell on social media stating it was “tough to say goodbye but it’s been an honor to work among the very best in the business.”
Notably absent was any apology to Young or acknowledgment of the serious damage his reporting caused.
For conservative Americans who have long pointed out CNN’s partisan agenda masquerading as objective journalism, this case represents further confirmation of the network’s willingness to target those who do not align with their political viewpoints.
