Top Republicans from across the political spectrum immediately commemorated influential conservative talk-radio icon Rush Limbaugh following the news of his passing Wednesday from lung cancer at the age of 70.
Many lawmakers praised Limbaugh as a “revolutionary giant” and “icon” who helped play a key role in amplifying conservative messaging over the last three decades.
Former President Donald Trump in his first post-White House interview called into Fox News, praising the iconic talk show host as a “legend.”
“He would just talk for two hours, three hours, just talk and that’s not an easy thing to do,” Trump said. “And I once asked him, I said do you study for the show? And he said actually, ‘I study very hard. … That, a little bit, surprised me. But he was a fantastic man, a fantastic talent.”
“He is a legend. He really is. There aren’t too many legends around. But he is a legend,” Trump said. “And those people who listen to him every day, it was like a religious experience for a lot of people,” Trump added.
Former President George W. Bush released a statement Wednesday mourning the death of the conservative radio host.
“While he was brash, at times controversial, and always opinionated, he spoke his mind as a voice for millions of Americans and approached each day with gusto,” Bush said in a statement. “As he battled hearing loss and cancer late in life, he was sustained by the support of friends and family, his love of sports and rock ‘n’ roll, and his belief in God and country. Rush Limbaugh was an indomitable spirit with a big heart, and he will be missed.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said Limbaugh “voice guided the conservative movement.”
“Rush was a giant. We will miss his clarity on the airwaves and the kindness he brought to those around him,” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) tweeted. “We wish his family comfort in these difficult times.”
Rep. Bryon Donald (R-FL) praised Limbaugh for being an “unapologetic conservative” whose voice not only “touch the hearts and souls of millions of Americans,” but “spoke truth to power.”
Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) saying Limbaugh “was a blessing” to the conservative movement and his voice that “will never be able to replace.”
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) shared a heartfelt praise of the conservative icon.
“Rush Limbaugh gave life to talk radio in America and was often a voice for the voiceless. He was an instrumental conservative and pioneer. Rest in Peace,” Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) tweeted.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus called Limbaugh an “icon, patriot and American hero,” who was one of the “greatest radio host of all-time.”
“Rush Limbaugh was an icon, patriot, and American hero. No one fought harder for freedom and liberty. The greatest radio host of all-time will be missed by millions. God bless his family,” Jordan tweeted.
Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) tweeted, “Rush Limbaugh was an invaluable voice for the conservative movement and left an extraordinary mark on this country. My prayers are with his wife Kathryn and the entire Limbaugh family during this difficult time.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) thanked Limbaugh for his “legendary impact.”
“RIP to a legend and a patriot, Rush Limbaugh. Not many people can say they revolutionized and stayed at the top of an industry the way he did. My condolences to his family,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tweeted.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called Limbaugh a “generational media trailblazer.”
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said Limbaugh was a “trailblazer” and a “larger-than-life figure in American politics.”
“Rush Limbaugh was a trailblazer, a larger-than-life figure in American politics who transformed talk radio and helped define the conservative movement for more than three decades,” Rubio said in a statement. “Our prayers are with Rush’s family, friends, and all those he helped throughout the years as they mourn his passing.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) called the conservative radio host a “patriot and a lion-hearted defender of freedom.”
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) called the native Missourian, “a voice for the voiceless.”
“He changed talk radio, but more importantly, Rush changed the conversation to speak up for the forgotten, and challenge the establishment,” Hawley said in a statement. “He lived the First Amendment and told hard truths that made the elite uncomfortable but made sure working men and women had a seat at the table. Erin and I are praying for the Limbaugh family.”
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) called Limbaugh a “one-of-a-kind” radio “giant” due to “his straightforward, simple articulation of conservatism.” he inspired millions. He was one-of-a-kind and he will be missed.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in a series of tweets shared a story the first time he met Limbaugh.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called Limbaugh a “‘GOAT’ (Greatest Of All Time) of radio, of conservative media, and of inspiring a loyal army of American patriots.”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem quoted Limbaugh infamous line “I have talent on loan from God.”
There was little reaction from the Democratic side to news of Limbaugh’s death. While some stood silent, many progressive celebrities disgustingly celebrated the news.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki when asked if President Biden would release a statement, said she doesn’t “anticipate” one but offered condolence on behalf of the president.
“I don’t know that I anticipate a statement from the president, but I can certainly pass on his condolences and expression of support for the family,” Psaki said during her daily White House press briefing Wednesday.
In his final live show on EIB Network Feb 2, Limbaugh closed his show discussing Biden destroying blue-collar workers due to his latest executive order in ending the Keystone XL pipeline construction that has cost over 11,000 jobs.
“What do you think the Democrat Party is? It’s clear as a bell they have no desire to enhance your life. They’re taking jobs away from you,” Limbaugh said. “This is what Biden and his administration are hell-bent on doing. They want you to become dependent on them, a ward of the state. You’re not supposed to have enough power to oppose them.”
“Odds are,” Limbaugh added, “there are a lot of people who voted for Biden who had no idea what he’s going to do and what’s yet to come, and that’s why I say they’re going to overstep, and it isn’t going to take them long, and it isn’t going to be pretty when all kinds of people are going to start to figure it out.”
CongressGeorge W. BushGov. Kristi NoemGov. Ron DeSantisHouseJen PsakiPresident BidenPresident TrumpRep. Burgess OwensRep. Byron DonaldsRep. Carlos GimenezRep. Greg SteubeRep. Jim JordanRep. Kevin McCarthyRep. Marjorie Taylor GreeneRep. Matt GaetzRep. Mike WaltzRepublicansSen. Josh HawleySen. Marco RubioSen. Rand PaulSen. Ted CruzSen. Tom CottonSenateSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
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