'One of the Greats': Donald Trump Mourns Death of CNN Founder Ted Turner

The passing of a titan often invites both admiration and debate, and the death of Ted Turner is no exception, marking the end of an era that reshaped global media while also stirring sharp political reflections.

United States President Donald Trump paid tribute to the media mogul and CNN founder, who died on Wednesday at the age of 87.

Turner, widely regarded as a charismatic and larger-than-life figure, passed away, according to a release by Turner Enterprises obtained by CNN.

Trump described Turner as “one of the greats of broadcast history” and a “friend.”

In a post on Truth Social, he hailed Turner as a pioneering force in global media, saying he “founded CNN, sold it, and was devastated by the deal,” while adding that the network later “became woke.”

He also expressed hope that new ownership could restore its “credibility and glory."

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"Maybe the new buyers, wonderful people, will be able to bring it (CNN) back to its former credibility and glory. Regardless, however, one of the Greats of Broadcast History, and a friend of mine. Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause,” he added.

Turner had disclosed in September 2018 that he was suffering from Lewy body dementia, a brain disorder that affects memory and other cognitive functions.

Named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991, Turner transformed television by creating the concept of 24-hour news through CNN and pioneering national basic cable.

To sustain his “superstation,” he struck deals that altered the landscape of sports broadcasting. He was also deeply involved in sports, winning the America’s Cup and owning the Atlanta Braves when they secured a World Series title.

Turner also left a lasting imprint on philanthropy, becoming one of the first individuals to donate vast sums during his lifetime rather than through a will.

He contributed a record $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation.

“Everybody could be doing more! Nobody’s doing enough. I could be doing more!” he told Variety in a 2012 interview, underscoring his commitment to global well-being.

Born in Ohio and nicknamed the “Mouth of the South,” Turner redefined global journalism, particularly with live coverage of the 1990–91 Gulf War.

His life, marked by bold risks and defining moments across industries, was chronicled in his 2008 autobiography Call Me Ted, in which he recalled his father’s advice: “Be sure to set your goals so high that you can’t possibly accomplish them in one lifetime. That way you’ll always have something ahead of you.”