Alex Marquardt Joins Al Jazeera English After CNN Departure

Alex Marquardt, renowned for his involvement in a high-profile defamation case against CNN, has secured a new position with Al Jazeera English. He announced his excitement on social media, expressing enthusiasm about joining the network’s Washington office after years of being impressed by their global coverage.

Marquardt was central to a significant defamation case in 2025 brought by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young. A jury in Florida found CNN guilty of defaming Young through a report by Marquardt. The report questioned Young’s actions during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, labeling him as a potential black market profiteer exploiting vulnerable Afghans.

Initially, the jury awarded Young $5 million for financial and emotional damages. However, an undisclosed settlement with CNN suggested a payout well beyond the initial verdict. A jury member later indicated the possibility of punitive damages between $50 million and $100 million.

Marquardt left CNN about five months after the trial, amid speculation from colleagues that his departure was linked to the costly legal proceedings. Al Jazeera, funded by the Qatari government, has chosen Marquardt to host a new daytime show, “This is America.”

Young, in an interview post-trial, expressed no forgiveness toward Marquardt, criticizing his demeanor during the legal process. Yet, he acknowledged Marquardt’s new opportunity at Al Jazeera, noting the alignment of Marquardt’s reporting style with the network.

Despite the controversies, Marquardt received warm congratulations from many of his former CNN colleagues. On the stand, he defended his report, asserting it was not intended as a personal attack and expressing pride in his work.

CNN issued an apology in March 2022 following Young’s legal threats, although Marquardt and other CNN employees questioned the necessity of the apology. The network’s senior vice president termed it a strategic legal decision.