CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt faced intense questioning in a Florida court regarding his reporting on Zachary Young, a Navy veteran suing CNN for defamation. The questioning centered on Marquardt's efforts to investigate Young prior to a 2021 CNN report that Young claims damaged his reputation.

The lawsuit stems from a segment on "The Lead with Jake Tapper" that implied Young was involved in illicit activities related to Afghan evacuations after the U.S. withdrawal. Young's attorney, Vel Freedman, challenged CNN's claim that Young was a minor figure in the report, presenting evidence of Marquardt's persistent pursuit of information about Young. This included emails, internal messages, and recordings of conversations with sources, all indicating Marquardt's focused interest in Young's activities.

Despite his extensive investigation, Marquardt admitted under oath that he found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Young. This admission came after Freedman presented communications where Marquardt expressed his intent to "expose" Young and "gather evidence" of alleged scams. The court has already affirmed that Young's actions were legal.

The jury also reviewed messages in which Marquardt used strong language about Young, including a vow to "nail this Zachary Young mf----r." Marquardt attempted to downplay these messages, claiming he was simply echoing the sentiments of a source. He also defended his reporting, stating he was "proud" of the segment and did not intend to create a "hit piece." However, internal communications revealed Marquardt intended to focus on Young despite another CNN reporter assuring Young their conversation was for background information on a broader story.

The trial also highlighted CNN's use of the term "black market" in its reporting. While Marquardt argued the term didn't necessarily imply illegality, Freedman presented the dictionary definition which explicitly links the term to illegal trade. Marquardt testified that Young was never informed the report would include the "black market" reference. Although CNN later issued an on-air apology, Marquardt stated he was not consulted about it but was "fine" with the decision. He maintained his belief that the report was accurate and did not require an apology.