Trump Responds to Death of Elijah Cummings:

Trump Responds to Death of Elijah Cummings:
'Strength, Passion, and Wisdom'

President Donald Trump on Thursday saluted one of the fiercest critics of his administration after hearing the news that House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings of Maryland had died early Thursday at the age of 68.

"My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader," Trump tweeted.

"His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!"

Although Cummings was a steadfast liberal and staunch supporter of former President Barack Obama, he also had personal friendships with Republicans.

That aspect of his personality came to the forefront in February, when Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan accused House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows of North Carolina of being racist.

Cummings at the time said he could "see and feel" Meadows' pain and called him "one of my best friends" when the North Carolina Republican defended himself from the charge, according to NBC News.

Meadows was among the Republicans voicing their condolences after Cummings died.

"There was no stronger advocate and no better friend than Elijah Cummings," Meadows tweeted Thursday. "I am heartbroken for his wonderful family and staff - please pray for them. I will miss him dearly."