Lou Dobbs dead: Trump announces conservative commentator’s death at 78

Political commentator Lou Dobbs has died at the age of 78, former President Donald Trump announced.

Dobbs, known for hosting shows on CNN and Fox Business, was a supporter of the former president, who announced his death in a post on Thursday.

"The Great Lou Dobbs has just passed away — A friend, and truly incredible Journalist, Reporter, and Talent," Trump posted on Truth Social. "He understood the World, and what was 'happening,' better than others. Lou was unique in so many ways, and loved our Country. Our warmest condolences to his wonderful wife, Debi, and family. He will be greatly missed!"

Dobbs's X account, presumably his family, posted on X to confirm his death "with a heavy heart."

pic.twitter.com/0Lr29t1twO

"It's with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of 'the great Lou Dobbs,'" the post said. "Lou was a fighter — fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family, and the country. Lou's legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou's wonderful wife Debi, children and grandchildren."

Dobbs hosted Moneyline on CNN beginning in 1980, with the program being renamed Lou Dobbs Tonight during its roughly 29-year run. He would leave CNN in 2009 and join Fox Business in 2011, hosting a new iteration of Lou Dobbs Tonight until 2021.

The political commentator's departure from Fox Business in February 2021 came shortly after a $2.7 billion lawsuit that voting machine company Smartmatic filed against the network, along with three hosts on Fox, including Dobbs, over accusations about voter fraud with the machine in the 2020 elections. The network denied it was tied to the lawsuit but was part of programming changes it "regularly considers" and claimed the plans had "been in place to launch new formats as appropriate post-election, including on Fox Business."

Both of Dobbs's former networks paid tribute to him in separate statements Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs. An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry. We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family,” a Fox News spokesperson said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.

"Lou was one of the CNN originals, who helped launch and shape the network. We are saddened to hear about his passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Debi, children, and his family,” a CNN spokesperson said .

Dobbs was mourned by several Republican politicians after Trump's announcement, with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) calling Dobbs a "great American" who "will be deeply missed."

Rep. James Comer (R-KY) called Dobbs a "patriot" in a social media post paying tribute to the late political commentator.

Lou Dobbs was a patriot, loved his country, and will be deeply missed by so many.

Please join me in praying for Lou, his family, and his staff.

It was always an honor to join Lou on his programs. May he Rest in Peace. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HoH9niY4Nt

"Lou Dobbs was a patriot, loved his country, and will be deeply missed by so many. Please join me in praying for Lou, his family, and his staff," Comer posted. "It was always an honor to join Lou on his programs. May he Rest in Peace."

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Former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows called Dobbs a "great American who loved his country fiercely."

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my dear friend, Lou Dobbs. Lou was a great American who loved his country fiercely and never passed up a chance to be gracious with his time. He will be truly missed. Praying for peace and comfort to his family. pic.twitter.com/BSstA8tqWU

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my dear friend, Lou Dobbs," Meadows said. "Lou was a great American who loved his country fiercely and never passed up a chance to be gracious with his time. He will be truly missed. Praying for peace and comfort to his family."