President Trump sent encouraging words to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh after he announced he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
“Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is. There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend!” the president tweeted Monday night.
Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is. There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend! https://t.co/GRTt56BjEu
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
Limbaugh, 69, made the announcement on his radio show earlier on Monday. He also explained that he would likely miss time on the program while he undergoes treatment.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory for me because I’ve known this moment was coming in the program today,” Limbaugh began. “I’m sure you all know by now, I really don’t like talking about myself, and I don’t like making things about me other than in the usual satirical joking way.”
He also explained that the diagnosis was made last month and that he “first realized something was wrong on [his] birthday weekend, Jan. 12.” At the time, Limbaugh had shortness of breath, and he thought it could’ve been asthma or heart complications. However, he later found out that the source of his waning health stemmed from “a pulmonary problem involving malignancy.”
Limbaugh, who has hosted his show for more than three decades, will undergo further testing and will begin a treatment plan later this week.
In addition to Trump, Vice President Mike Pence also wished Limbaugh well in the wake of the news.
“Rush Limbaugh is a National Treasure who has made a difference on the airwaves of America for 30 years,” he tweeted. “Rush, Karen and I will be joining millions across this Country in praying for your swift recovery. God Bless You!”
Rush Limbaugh is a National Treasure who has made a difference on the airwaves of America for 30 years. Rush, Karen and I will be joining millions across this Country in praying for your swift recovery. God Bless You!
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 3, 2020
At the end of December, the president thanked Limbaugh on social media for “the tremendous support he has given to the MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Movement and our KEEP AMERICA GREAT Agenda” and called him “a major star who never wavered despite the Fake News Hits he has had to endure.”
