Lou Dobbs, the conservative political commentator and television host who hosted a nightly show on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, has died at the age of 78.
NEW YORK (AP) — Lou Dobbs, the conservative political commentator and cable TV host who hosted a nightly show on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, has died. He was 78.
His death was announced Thursday in a post on his official X account, calling him “a warrior to the end, fighting for what was most important to him: God, family and country.”
“Lou’s legacy will live forever as a patriot and a great American. Please pray for Lou’s wonderful wife Debi, his children and grandchildren,” the post read.
He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on FOX Business from 2011 to 2021 after two stints as a host on CNN.
Fox News Media said in a statement that the network was saddened by Dobbs’ passing.
“A gifted broadcaster with a brilliant business mind, Lou helped build cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are deeply grateful for his many contributions and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Dobbs was an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, both during his presidential run and during his presidency. After his death was announced on Thursday, Trump wrote on his media platform, Truth Social, that Dobbs was a friend and “a truly incredible journalist, reporter and talented person.”
“He understood the world and what was going on better than most. Lou was unique in many ways and loved our country. My heartfelt condolences to his wonderful wife Debi and family. He will be greatly missed!” Trump wrote in the speech.
Dobbs was sued by Dominion Voting Systems, which accused Fox News of spreading false information about the 2020 presidential election. A trial was avoided in 2023 when an arbitrator helped the two sides settle for $787 million. A mountain of evidence (some of it damning, some simply embarrassing) shows that many of Fox’s executives and cast members did not believe the allegations, which were mostly aired on the shows hosted by Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. At the time, they were afraid that telling the truth would upset Trump fans in their audience.
Dobbs joined CNN when it was launched in 1980 and spent more than 20 years at the company, including as host of the show “Moneyline.” He left CNN in 2009 to help media mogul Rupert Murdoch launch Fox Business.
He says he thought of himself as an underdog when he joined Fox. A few years later, his show was a ratings hit and he became a staple at the right-wing network.
“We’re going to focus on the American people, their standard of living, the American nation,” he said of the show in 2011. “Those are always my starting points.”
Mr. Dobbs’ Fox show was titled “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the same as the one he left in 2009 after his final, awkward years at CNN. Mr. Dobbs, who became TV’s best-known business journalist in the 1990s with his “Moneyline” show, had become increasingly outspoken and unsettled CNN executives as his emphasis on curbing illegal immigration drew angry protests from Latinos.
Dobbs has worked deeply on the complex public policy and economic issues that drive our society.
Dobbs said he wants to always be honest with his viewers about his views on issues.
“My audiences have always expected me to tell them where I come from, and I see no reason to disappoint them,” he said in 2011.
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