Conservative Journalist Lou Dobbs Dies at 78

Conservative journalist and political talk show host Lou Dobbs died at the age of 78 on Thursday.

Announcement of Passing
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of ‘The Great Lou Dobbs,’” his social media account announced. “Lou was a fighter till the very end — 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.”

Career Highlights
Dobbs spent more than four decades in journalism, most notably with CNN, which he joined when the network initially launched in 1980, and later Fox News. He was an outspoken supporter of Trump and conservative causes and notoriously questioned whether former President Barack Obama was born in the US.

Trump’s Condolences
Trump offered his condolences after breaking the news of Dobbs’ death. “He understood the World, and what was ‘happening,’ better than others. Lou was unique in so many ways, and loved our Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Our warmest condolences to his wonderful wife, Debi, and family. He will be greatly missed!”

Professional Journey
Dobbs was a longtime host of his highly-rated right-wing talk show on the Fox Business Network, “Lou Dobbs Tonight.” He was fired in 2021 after he was named in a $2.7 billion lawsuit filed by a voting technology company, Smartmatic, alleging that he and other Fox hosts defamed Smartmatic while perpetuating President Trump’s lies about election fraud. For nearly 30 years, Dobbs worked as an anchor, managing editor, and executive vice president for CNN, hosting various programs before he suddenly resigned in 2009 after clashing with management.

Tributes and Reactions
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs,” a Fox News spokesperson wrote in a statement to POLITICO. “An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry.” A CNN spokesperson described Dobbs as “one of the CNN originals” in a statement to POLITICO, adding that he “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.”

GOP Reps. Jim Jordan (Ohio), Matt Gaetz (Fla.), and James Comer (Ky.) were among many Republicans who also expressed their condolences to Dobbs’ family and paid tribute to the conservative pundit. “Lou Dobbs was a patriot, loved his country, and will be deeply missed by so many,” Comer wrote on X.