Lou Dobbs, a prominent conservative talk show host known for his roles on CNN and Fox Business, has died at the age of 78. Former President Donald Trump announced Dobbs' death on Truth Social on Thursday, July 18, praising him as a unique figure who deeply understood world events and loved the United States. Trump extended his condolences to Dobbs' wife, Debi, and their family.
Dobbs' career in broadcasting spanned decades, beginning with his work at CNN in the 1980s. He initially hosted "Moneyline," which later evolved into "Lou Dobbs Tonight." Dobbs was known for his outspoken views, particularly on immigration and economic issues, often drawing both fervent support and significant controversy.
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) July 18, 2024
After leaving CNN, he moved to Fox Business Network, where he continued to host "Lou Dobbs Tonight" until its cancellation in 2021 following the Smartmatic defamation lawsuit.
The lawsuit stemmed from Dobbs' promotion of conspiracy theories regarding the 2020 presidential election, which led to his abrupt departure from Fox. Despite the controversies, Dobbs maintained a loyal following, particularly among conservative audiences. He continued his work through "The Great America Show," a podcast he hosted on iHeartRadio and his personal website until his death.
FLASHBACK:
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.
pic.twitter.com/EJ6n4IYSF0— Alexander Sheppard πΊπΈ (@NotAlexSheppard) July 18, 2024
Dobbs' departure from CNN in 2009 was marked by his promotion of the "birther" conspiracy theory about President Barack Obama, which contributed to his increasing notoriety and polarizing reputation.
His later years at Fox Business saw him become one of the network's most watched and influential figures, often featuring high-profile guests like Donald Trump and other key figures from the Trump administration.
Fox News Media issued a statement expressing their sorrow over Dobbs' passing, highlighting his contributions to the field of business news and broadcasting. They praised his pioneering efforts in cable news and extended their sympathies to his family.
Dobbs' influence on conservative media and his role in shaping the discourse on immigration, economy, and nationalism remain significant. His career reflects the broader tensions and transformations within American media and politics over the past several decades.