President Trump praised the life of Dilbert creator Scott Adams following news that Adams died Tuesday at age 68 after a long battle with prostate cancer that spread to his bones. Trump called Adams a “fantastic guy” who supported him even when it was “not fashionable” and offered condolences to Adams’ family, noting his courageous fight with a terrible illness.
Adams became a household name with the Dilbert comic strip, launched in 1989 and syndicated globally for decades. The cartoon humorously critiqued corporate culture and made Adams a prominent voice on workplace absurdities. Syndication included upwards of 2,000 newspapers worldwide, and Adams received the prestigious Reuben Award in 1997, with Dilbert named one of Time’s most influential Americans the same year.
In later years, Adams drew controversy after a 2023 rant regarded by many as racist, which led numerous major newspapers to drop Dilbert from their pages and cut ties with his publisher. The comic continued online through Adams’ own channels, but mainstream support waned.
Adams publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in May 2025, revealing on his podcast that his prognosis was poor and that he was enduring severe pain while using a walker. Amid his illness he appealed for assistance in obtaining advanced treatment, garnering attention for his health battle.
Trump’s tribute highlighted Adams’ role as an early supporter of the president, describing him as a “Great Influencer” who stood by Trump when others did not. The president’s message stressed Adams’ perseverance through illness and expressed sympathy for his passing.
