President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that he will award legendary conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom in coming months.
Mr. Limbaugh announced Monday that he is battling advanced lung cancer.
President Trump told network anchors during a private lunch on Tuesday about the coming award, CNN reported:
According to a person familiar with the discussion, Trump informed anchors he will bestow Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the coming months. Limbaugh has been a staunch ally of the President’s for years, and dined with him at his Palm Beach golf club over the holidays. Once, during an event in the Rose Garden, Trump praised Limbaugh as someone who “can speak for three hours without a phone call.”
Fox News reported that Limbaugh will be in attendance at the annual State of the Union address, where President Trump will announced the coming award.
On Monday, the host told his loyal listeners of his cancer diagnosis, which Limbaugh said was confirmed by two medical institutions, last month.
“I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn’t have to tell you,” said the host. “I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Diagnosis confirmed by two medical institutions back on January 20th.”
“I first realized something was wrong on my birthday weekend, January 12th,” Limbaugh continued. “I wish I didn’t have to tell you this and I thought about not telling anybody; I thought about trying to do this without anybody knowing because I don’t like making things about me.”
“There are going to be days that I’m not going to be able to be here because I’m undergoing treatment or I’m reacting to treatment and I know that will inspire all kinds of curiosity with people wondering what’s going on,” he said. “The worst thing that can happen is when there is something going on and you try to hide it and cover it up, it’s eventually going to leak and then people [are going to wonder why you didn’t tell them].”
The influential conservative assured his audience that he has a close relationship with God, though he might not always publicly discuss it.
“I told the staff today that I have a deeply personal relationship with God that I do not proselytize about, but I do, and I have been working that relationship tremendously,” closed Limbaugh. “I am, at the moment, experiencing zero symptoms.”
The same day as Limbaugh’s cancer announcement, Trump voiced his support for the radio host, who has opened up rallies for the president.
“Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is,” the president posted via Twitter. “There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend!”
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
Vice President Mike Pence, too, offered support for Limbaugh, whom he called a “national treasure.”
“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!” the VP wrote.
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