Lou Dobbs, Conservative Talk Show Host, Dead at 78

Lou Dobbs, a longtime conservative talk show host and political commentator, has died at the age of 78.

On Thursday, July 18, former President Donald Trump announced Dobbs' death via Truth Social, writing, "The Great Lou Dobbs has just passed away." A short time later, his social media pages posted an update confirming the report.

“He understood the World, and what was ‘happening,’ better than others," Trump wrote in his statement. "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!”

One of the pundit's most notable roles was hosting Lou Dobbs Tonight. The political talk show initially aired as Moneyline on CNN. It was later retitled in his name, and after he left CNN, he revived the show on Fox Business Network, where it aired until February 2021.

In 2021, Dobbs began hosting The Great America Show on iHeart Radio and loudobbs.com. A new episode of the show was posted on Dobbs' personal social media accounts three hours before his death was announced, featuring a guest host filling in.

Dobbs and Trump had become close throughout the years. During the former commander-in-chief’s presidency, he and others in his administration regularly appeared on the political commentator’s talk show, per The Hill.

CNN added that Trump often shared his praise for Dobbs, and would share clips of his show on his social media channels.

Dobbs, like Trump, drew backlash throughout his career. He openly promoted birtherism, the false theory that claimed former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States. He also promoted conspiracies about how voting machines led to President Biden's victory in 2020. Dobbs' Fox show was cancelled one day after voting software company Smartmatic filed its lawsuit against the network. The lawsuit is still being litigated.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Fox News Media wrote: “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.”