President Donald Trump marked the death of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson with a public tribute that also included pointed remarks about former President Barack Obama.
News broke on February 17 that Jackson, a longtime civil rights leader and former presidential candidate, had died at the age of 84, per CNN.
A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson carried forward the fight for racial equality for decades following Dr. King’s assassination.
His daughter, Santita Jackson, confirmed that he passed away at home, surrounded by family.
In response to the news, Trump shared a message on Truth Social honoring the late activist while reflecting on their past relationship.
Trump reflects on relationship with Jackson in Truth Social post
"The Reverend Jesse Jackson is Dead at 84," Trump wrote.
"I knew him well, long before becoming President. He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and 'street smarts'."
The president went on to praise Jackson’s outgoing personality and longstanding connection with communities across the country.
"He was very gregarious - Someone who truly loved people! Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way."
Trump then referenced Barack Obama, who preceded him in office until 2017, in a remark that drew attention for its tone.
"Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him. He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand."
Trump concluded his message by describing Jackson as someone who loved his family deeply and offering condolences to them.
Jesse Jackson’s lasting impact despite health struggles
In the years leading up to his death, Jackson faced significant health challenges, including a rare brain disorder that limited his ability to move and speak.
Even so, he remained engaged in activism, continuing to protest racial injustice into the era of Black Lives Matter.
In 2024, he made appearances at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and attended a city council meeting to support a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Shortly before the conviction of the officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck until he died, Jackson addressed demonstrators in Minneapolis, telling them: "Even if we win, it’s relief, not victory.
"They’re still killing our people.
"Stop the violence, save the children. Keep hope alive."
During his final months, Jackson required round-the-clock care and eventually lost his ability to speak.
He communicated with loved ones and visitors by holding their hands and squeezing them, remaining connected to those around him until the end.