President Donald J. Trump has announced the passing of Scott Adams, the creator of the long-running “Dilbert” comic strip and a prominent political commentator, in a post on his official social media platform on Tuesday.
Trump referred to Adams as “the Great Influencer” and praised him for his support during earlier phases of Trump’s political career.
“Sadly, the Great Influencer, Scott Adams, has passed away,” Trump wrote. “He was a fantastic guy, who liked and respected me when it wasn’t fashionable to do so. He bravely fought a long battle against a terrible disease. My condolences go out to his family, and all of his many friends and listeners. He will be truly missed. God bless you Scott!”
Who Was Scott Adams?
Scott Adams, 67, rose to international fame as the creator of “Dilbert,” a satirical comic strip that humorously critiqued corporate culture and office life. The strip, launched in 1989, was syndicated in thousands of newspapers worldwide and spawned numerous books, an animated television series, and a vast merchandise empire.
In his later years, Adams shifted his public persona from cartoonist to political and social commentator. He hosted a popular YouTube channel and podcast where he frequently discussed persuasion, politics, and current events. He became an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign and remained a vocal advocate throughout Trump’s presidency and beyond, often analyzing political strategy through the lens of persuasion techniques he outlined in his books.
His political commentary, however, was also marked by controversy. In 2023, he faced widespread backlash and the loss of his newspaper syndication after making racially charged remarks on his program, which led hundreds of publications to drop the “Dilbert” strip.
A Bond Forged in Political Alignment
Trump’s mention that Adams supported him “when it wasn’t fashionable to do so” highlights their alignment during Trump’s initial political ascent, when much of the establishment media and cultural figures were dismissive or critical. Adams frequently used his platform to defend Trump’s communication style and policy moves, framing them as masterful acts of persuasion aimed at his base.
Adams’s passing marks the end of a significant, if controversial, voice in American media—one that successfully bridged the worlds of corporate satire and partisan political commentary. His death was attributed to a long illness, though specific details were not immediately disclosed.
The announcement from Trump, a figure who remains deeply influential in American politics, ensures that Adams’s legacy will be remembered not only for “Dilbert” but also for his role as an early and steadfast amplifier of Trump’s political brand during a pivotal era.
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