Just hours after the passing of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, former President Donald Trump shared a tribute on social media that included reflections on his own interactions with the late activist and comments about former President Barack Obama.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump noted that he had provided office space to Jackson, supported his initiatives on criminal justice reform, and helped secure long-term funding for historically Black colleges and universities. He added that these actions were undertaken “despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist.”
Trump also referenced Jackson’s complicated relationship with Obama, writing: “He had much to do with the election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand.”
Jackson and Obama’s dynamic had drawn attention during Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, when Jackson was recorded on a hot microphone making crude remarks about Obama. Jackson later publicly apologized, emphasizing his longstanding support for Obama and commitment to the campaign.
Despite past controversies, Jackson is remembered as a trailblazer whose presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 helped pave the way for future Black candidates. He celebrated Obama’s victory and maintained political roots in Chicago alongside him.
Jackson passed away peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 84, surrounded by loved ones.