President Donald Trump on Wednesday paid tribute to former Vice President Ted Turner, who passed away at the age of 87 on the same day.

Turner is best known as the founder of the prominent news network CNN, with which Trump has had numerous public spats in recent years.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, "One of the greatest figures of all time, Ted Turner, has just passed away. He founded and sold CNN, and I was personally very shocked because the new owners have ruined his 'pet project' CNN. CNN has become left-wing, the opposite of the values he stood for."

He continued, "The new buyers, who are really fine people, will hopefully be able to bring back its former glory and prestige. But in any event, he was one of the greats in broadcasting history and a friend of mine. He was always there when I needed him, and he was willing to fight for good causes!"

CNN confirmed Turner's death, citing Turner Enterprises.

Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN, added, "Ted was a passionate and dedicated leader, a brave and fearless man who always trusted his gut and believed in his own judgment. He was and will remain the spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and today we will all take time to celebrate his life and the impact he had on the world."

NNP=Hong Seong-gu, Chief Editor / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com