Rush Limbaugh's death: Reaction from broadcasters, politicians and others

Social media had widely mixed reactions to the death of Rush Limbaugh, the controversial far-right-wing talk radio host who passed away Wednesday at age 70 from lung cancer.

Still banned from social media, former President Donald Trump — who awarded the Medal of Freedom to Limbaugh during his final State of the Union speech in February last year — called Fox News shortly after Limbaugh’s death was announced, saying “He was a brave guy ... a fantastic man, a fantastic talent.”

Writing an opinion for Fox News, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia called Limbaugh “one of the conservative movement’s great heroic figures and a good friend.”

“His audience was powerful. I can tell you this from personal experience. When we ran the 1994 Contract with America, Republicans had been out of power in the house for 40 years. Rush’s help was absolutely vital to winning that election, communicating the issues to the country, rallying people, and helping key candidates win,” Gingrich wrote.

While many conservative voices praised and defended the late host as a patriot and American hero, liberal voices were more scathing and condemned Limbaugh as xenophobic and racist.

ExploreOnline guestbook for Rush Limbaugh

Rush Limbaugh was a courageous warrior for Liberty.
— Pastor Greg Locke 🇮🇱 (@pastorlocke) February 17, 2021

That time when Rush Limbaugh called Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute” because she testified in Congress in favor of contraceptive coverage for women. pic.twitter.com/z3l7ev0tuz
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) February 17, 2021

ExploreFrom 2020: Rush Limbaugh attends State of the Union, receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

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.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh was a coward and white supremacist. He aggressively and cynically exploited divisions in our country by weaponizing hatred and bigotry for his own personal gain. He was in service to his own greed, prejudice, and hypocrisy, and that is how history will remember him.
— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) February 17, 2021

A true American Legend and Patriot who will be greatly missed.
Rest In Heaven Rush Limbaugh. pic.twitter.com/Gle5v9ikZJ
— Diamond and Silk® (@DiamondandSilk) February 17, 2021

Don’t know who needs to hear this, but Rush Limbaugh deserves the same respect and humanity he showed to Chelsea Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Kurt Cobain, Barack Obama, RGB, Donovan McNabb, Sandra Fluke, rape victims, Iraq war veterans, refugees, and the victims of shootings.
— Andrea Junker (@Strandjunker) February 17, 2021

Here's that one time Rush Limbaugh mocked Michael J. Fox for his Parkinson's, suggesting that he was exaggerating its symptoms. pic.twitter.com/PvSzNq7gn2
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) February 17, 2021

The thing about Rush Limbaugh is he wasn't the zealot that he came across as. Rush did it for the money. Lots of it. Just like Hannity and company, his background wasn't in politics or a political movement. It was making money. That explains the right wing media right there.
— Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) February 17, 2021

RIP. More than any single person, Rush Limbaugh helped break the left’s monopoly in the media. The left is still dominant, but not to the extent it was before he came along. He waged a brave struggle against deafness and later, the cancer that killed him. He was a giant. https://t.co/en5VQ9yCnW
— Brit Hume (@brithume) February 17, 2021

Saddened by news of the death of Rush Limbaugh, whose wit and wisdom comforted conservatives and confused leftists. He loved God, America, and his audience. His impact on broadcasting will never be equaled.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 17, 2021

your reminder that when Jerry Garcia died, Rush Limbaugh called him "just another dead doper. and a dirt bag"
— Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) February 17, 2021

In memory of how evil and grotesque Rush Limbaugh was, let us remember him calling Chelsea Clinton a dog as a young girl in the White House, when he accused Michael J. Fox of faking his Parkinson’s disease, when he attacked rape victims and Mosque shooting victims.
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) February 17, 2021

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. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh made conservatism popular with the entire nation and revolutionized conservative media. He will be missed by all of his “ditto heads,” this one included. Our country has lost one of its most important voices. Sending prayers to the Limbaugh family.
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh changed the hearts and minds of so many Americans with his commentary and insight.

His great voice will be so deeply missed, but his impact will live on forever.

I’m so glad President Trump was able to honor him with the Medal of Freedom while he was still here!
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh mocked people dying of AIDS, made fun of Parkinson’s disease, called America’s 1st Black president, ‘Barack the magic negroe’——he was a vile, pompous, white supremacist who spread racist hatred.

Bidding him good riddance or wishing him to rot in hell is being kind.
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) February 17, 2021

Rest in peace to the tireless voice for freedom and the conservative movement Rush Limbaugh.

I’m praying for the entire Limbaugh family.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 17, 2021

Kayleigh McEnany remembers Rush Limbaugh: ‘I am the definition of a Rush Baby’ https://t.co/9oljAg0tNI
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 17, 2021

For years Rush Limbaugh gave a voice to so many who felt forgotten by their government. We’ve lost a legend in talk radio, a faithful warrior for the conservative cause, and most importantly a great American. God bless his family.
— Mark Meadows (@MarkMeadows) February 17, 2021

“Slavery built the South. I’m not saying we should bring it back; I’m just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark.”

-Rush Limbaugh

There’s is no place in this country or in the world for ideology like this!#KidVicious👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/rG1vRApeLW
— KID VICIOUS🔪 (@kirkacevedo) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh carried the torch of conservatism and enlightened millions through his radio show - sharing the truth on conservative principles from President Reagan to President Trump.

May we continue to keep Rush's family and friends in our prayers - rest in peace, Rush. pic.twitter.com/4kDoyO3Zh2
— Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) February 17, 2021

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