Charles Krauthammer Tributes Pour in After Death of Fox News Pundit at 68

Conservative commentator and Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Krauthammer died Thursday at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Krauthammer, who was a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Post, where his work was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize in 1987, had a wrote a farewell note to the world on June 8.

"I have been uncharacteristically silent these past ten months," he wrote. "I had thought that silence would soon be coming to an end, but I'm afraid I must tell you now that fate has decided on a different course for me."

He added: "Recent tests have revealed that the cancer has returned. There was no sign of it as recently as a month ago, which means it is aggressive and spreading rapidly. My doctors tell me their best estimate is that I have only a few weeks left to live. This is the final verdict. My fight is over."

Fox News announced it planned to paid tribute to Krauthammer in a special on Friday at 9 p.m. ET on Friday.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Charles Krauthammer. A gifted doctor and brilliant political commentator, Charles was a guiding voice throughout his time with Fox News and we were incredibly fortunate to showcase his extraordinary talent on our programs," Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement. "He was an inspiration to all of us and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Robyn and his son Daniel."

Tributes immediately poured from his former colleagues and prominent individuals from across the political world.

"R.I.P. good friend. I am sure you will be owning the panel discussion in heaven as well," wrote Bret Baier, on whose show Krauthammer regularly appeared as a panelist in recent years. "And we'll make sure your wise words and thoughts - your legacy - will live on here."

R.I.P. good friend. I am sure you will be owning the panel discussion in heaven as well. And we’ll make sure your wise words and thoughts - your legacy - will live on here @krauthammer

— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) June 21, 2018

Sean Spicer, who served as the first press secretary in President Donald Trump's administration, wrote that Krauthammer was a "thoughtful and intelligent voice that will be missed."

Very sad to learn of the passing of Charles @krauthammer He was a thoughtful and intelligent voice that will be missed Rest in Peace #krauthammer

— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) June 21, 2018

A current member of the Trump administration, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, also took to Twitter to exclaim the virtues of Krauthammer, who was also an essayist for various magazines.

"Charles Krauthammer was always fair and balanced," Zinke wrote. "An iconic conservative of courageous thoughtfulness, unique insight, and profound wisdom, America is stronger because of his voice. Fair winds, following seas and God bless."

Charles Krauthammer was always fair and balanced. An iconic conservative of courageous thoughtfulness, unique insight, and profound wisdom, America is stronger because of his voice. Fair winds, following seas and God bless.

— Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) June 21, 2018

Meghan McCain, a host on The View and the daughter of Senator John McCain, called him "The greatest political commentator of my generation—a true conservative icon."

Gutted by this news. The greatest political commentator of my generation - a true conservative icon. I will miss him and his commentary terribly. Sending the entire Krauthammer family my strength and prayers. https://t.co/zWpZNOHGea

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) June 21, 2018

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, meanwhile, added that Krauthammer was a man of extraordinary intellect," blessed with "incredible insight."

Charles Krauthammer was a man of extraordinary intellect. Truly one of a kind. The conservative movement & the nation will miss his incredible insight, especially in times such as these. We offer our deepest condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace https://t.co/ebuAYGZhND

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 21, 2018

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Jason Le Miere is from the British island of Jersey, which has absolutely no relation to the Garden State, other than ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go