David Horowitz, the conservative author and activist, died on Tuesday at the age of 86, as confirmed by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, the think tank he established.
The center announced on X that Horowitz died following a prolonged battle with cancer.
On behalf of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, we are very saddened to announce the passing of the Center’s founder, David Horowitz. After a lengthy battle with cancer, David passed yesterday at the age of 86.
David Horowitz, 1939-2025. Requiescat in pace. pic.twitter.com/F47yooJL3K
— David Horowitz (@horowitz39) April 29, 2025
“On behalf of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, we are very saddened to announce the passing of the Center’s founder, David Horowitz,” the statement read.
In the obituary, his son, Benjamin Horowitz, recalled introducing his father to President Donald Trump during a meeting last year.
“President Trump’s face immediately lit up and he insisted that Benjamin get David on the phone immediately,” it reads. “Hospitalized and weak, David was still delighted to speak with the President.”
Rest in Peace to my father @horowitz39 . We love you Dad.
David Joel Horowitz was born January 10, 1939 to Phil and Blanche Horowitz in Queens, New York. David was raised in Queens along with his sister Ruth. Phil and Blanche were high school teachers and members of the… pic.twitter.com/c7PG6zE60W
— benahorowitz.eth (@bhorowitz) April 30, 2025
Once a Marxist, Horowitz underwent a political transformation and became a prominent conservative voice.
Conservative leaders and organizations paid tribute to Horowitz’s legacy.
“I’m so sorry to hear that David Horowitz has passed away. He was a great advocate for our country and a brave voice against the Left,” syndicated radio host Mark Levin wrote on X. “He spent most of his remarkable and consequential life battling the communists, Islamists, and radicals. He knew how dangerous they are, as he was one of them early in his life. RIP, David Horowitz. Thank you for your patriotism.”
“All of us at PragerU mourn the passing of David Horowitz,” the conservative media outlet wrote. “David’s influence on the conservative movement was profound and will be long-lasting. So many people and organizations owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. PragerU is certainly included in that group. May his memory be a blessing.”
Gabriella Hoffman of the Independent Women’s Forum reflected on a memorable campus event featuring David Horowitz.
I hosted David Horowitz at UC-San Diego 15 years ago- May 10th, 2010 – and the event went viral after a female member of the pro-Palestine group agreed she’s “for it” – a Second Holocaust. Years later, his exchange with my former classmate continues to go viral.
He was a former… https://t.co/Gt56VS4G4a pic.twitter.com/qBjt6sUFdj
— Gabriella Hoffman (@Gabby_Hoffman) April 29, 2025
“I hosted David Horowitz at UC-San Diego 15 years ago — May 10, 2010 — and the event went viral after a female member of a pro-Palestinian group agreed she was ‘for it’ — a Second Holocaust,” Hoffman wrote on X, sharing a video of the exchange. “Years later, his response to my former classmate continues to circulate. He was a former communist who saw the light and lectured on campuses nationwide. RIP.”
The Young America’s Foundation also honored Horowitz’s long-standing contributions.
“For more than three decades, David Horowitz was a staple of YAF’s campus lecture program—speaking at more than 140 events and student conferences,” the organization wrote. “His fearless crusade to defend and spread truth inspired countless students who now carry on his work. RIP.”
TIM WALZ SAYS HARRIS CHOSE HIM FOR VP TO ‘CODE TALK TO WHITE GUYS’
Patrick Coyle, vice president of YAF, added: “David was a dedicated freedom fighter and frequently spoke to student audiences on college campuses. He never hesitated to appear at @yaf events and always reminded young conservatives never to capitulate to the tyrannical Left. RIP.”
Former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell also paid tribute: “RIP my friend. You were a great warrior and you will be missed. It’s time for others to now step up. Step forward. You are needed.”