Former host of “Lou Dobbs Tonight” dies at 78

Lou Dobbs, the political commentator who hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on CNN before the show moved to Fox Business, has died. He was 78 years old.

A message posted on Dobbs’ social media accounts confirmed his death on Thursday.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the ‘great Lou Dobbs.’ Lou was a fighter to the end – fighting for what was most important to him: God, his family and country,” the statement said. “Lou’s legacy as a patriot and great American will live on forever. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, his children and grandchildren.”

Former President Donald Trump first announced the news on Truth Social, writing, “The great Lou Dobbs just passed away – a friend and truly incredible journalist, reporter and talent. He understood the world and what was ‘happening’ better than most.”

“Lou was one of a kind in many ways and loved our country. Our deepest condolences go out to his wonderful wife Debi and family. He will be greatly missed!” Trump wrote just hours before he is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention and officially accept the nomination as Republican presidential candidate.

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In a statement obtained by USA TODAY, Fox News Media paid tribute to Dobbs. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs,” the statement said. “Lou was an incredible businessman with a gift for broadcasting and helped make cable news a successful and influential industry.”

“We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and extend our deepest 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 stream show, “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” for over a week.

Dobbs broadcast a live conversation weeks before Trump’s death

On July 3, Dobbs spoke to Trump via live stream after the Supreme Court issued its ruling on whether presidents have immunity from criminal prosecution.

In a 6-3 decision, the justices ruled that a president’s “official” actions are immune from liability, but not the steps he took as a presidential candidate. Trump is accused of trying to rig the 2020 election by spreading lies about voter fraud.

Dobbs, who was one of Trump’s most vocal supporters and promoted the “birther” conspiracy theory questioning former President Barack Obama’s citizenship, repeatedly spread false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. In 2021, Fox Business Network canceled “Lou Dobbs Tonight” after a 10-year run. The announcement came a day after Fox News and three anchors, Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro, were sued for $2.7 billion.

At the time, election technology company Smartmatic claimed the defendants conspired to spread false claims that the company helped “steal” the presidential election. Fox has since filed a countersuit in New York Supreme Court, accusing the company of filing a frivolous lawsuit.

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