Former President Donald Trump joined “Hannity” on Wednesday to remind conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, who died at the age of 70 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Trump reflected on his decision to award Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the State of the Union speech in February 2020, just days after the conservative icon announced his diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer.
“It was an idea that we had and that many people frankly suggested to me, many excellent people from our country, largely Republicans,” Trump told host Sean Hannity. “It was an incredible night because the Republicans went crazy and the Democrats sat there, but everyone respected Rush.”
First Lady Melania Trump presented America’s greatest civilian tribute to Limbaugh in the Chamber gallery, an emotional moment that marked what Trump called one of Limbaugh’s “great honors of his life”.
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“Presidential Medal of Freedom – It’s a big deal, and he was very honored by that,” said Trump.
The former president met Limbaugh after announcing his 2016 candidacy for the Republican nomination. According to Trump, the two connected instantly, coming together because of their love for golf and their mutual commitment to conservative values.
“I met him right after going down the escalator [to announce my candidacy in July 2015]. He was there from the start, “said Trump, revealing that he used to consult Limbaugh about the state of his health.
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“Rush was so good, and it was a very special thing to meet him. A very good man.”
Trump hailed Limbaugh as “just a totally brilliant guy” who managed to do what “many people couldn’t.”
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“He could only talk for three hours, no phone calls, nothing, just talk and everyone found it fascinating,” Trump recalled, calling his short friendship “an honor.”
The conservative icon and author revolutionized the radio industry with the nationally syndicated “The Rush Limbaugh Show”, beginning in 1988, and is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in broadcast and political history.