Legendary broadcast journalist and political commentator Lou Dobbs has passed away.

He was 78.

Dobbs spent over two decades at CNN, joining the network at its inception in 1980, and moved on to Fox Business.

He became one of Donald Trump’s most vocal supporters in the media.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of ‘the great Lou Dobbs.’ Lou was a fighter till the very end — fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country,” a statement on Lou Dobbs’ X account read.

“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,” it added.

Per CNN:

Dobbs had a lengthy career in broadcast journalism, spending more than two decades at CNN, which he joined at its inception in 1980 and anchoring the program “Moneyline.” Dobbs left CNN in 2009 to help media mogul Rupert Murdoch launch the Fox Business Network.

“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.

As Donald Trump ascended in Republican Party politics, Dobbs became one of his most ardent supporters, using his program to promote anti-immigrant rhetoric and lash out at the so-called “deep state.”

As one of Trump’s biggest boosters on television, the veteran anchor spent the latter part of his career promoting streams of misinformation and conspiracy theories on behalf of the then-president.

Trump regularly praised Dobbs in return, often posting clips of his show on his social media channels. Trump on Thursday praised Dobbs as a friend and “truly incredible journalist, reporter, and talent.”

“The Great Lou Dobbs has just passed away — A friend, and truly incredible Journalist, Reporter, and Talent. 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!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

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“This is the segment that got Lou Dobbs fired from Fox News. He interviewed a USPS whistleblower who drove 200,000+ illegal ballots from New York to Pennsylvania during the 2020 Election,” Alexander Sheppard wrote.

WATCH:

USA TODAY reports:

In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Fox News Media paid tribute to Dobbs. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs,” the statement read. “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,” the statement concluded.

Before his death, Dobbs was absent from his iHeartRadio show, “The Great America Show with Lou Dobbs,” as well as his live-streamed show “Lou Dobbs Tonight” for over a week.

On July 3, he spoke with Trump in a live-streamed conversation after the Supreme Court issued its ruling on the issue of whether presidents are immune from criminal prosecution.

Dobbs, who has been one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, repeatedly spread claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. In 2021, Fox Business Network canceled “Lou Dobbs Tonight” one day after Fox News and three hosts, Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro, were sued for $2.7 billion.

 

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