Just hours after the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, former President Donald Trump shared a tribute on social media that quickly shifted to commentary on his own connection to the civil rights icon, while also taking aim at former President Barack Obama.
In a message shared on Truth Social, Trump outlined ways he said he had supported Jackson over the years.
He wrote that he provided office space to the late minister in one of his buildings, responded to his requests regarding criminal justice reform, and secured long-term funding for historically Black colleges and universities, adding this was done “despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist.”
Trump also referenced Jackson’s connection to 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 relationship drew attention during Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign when Jackson was caught on a hot microphone making a crude remark, saying he wanted to cut Obama’s “nuts off,” and accusing him of “talking down to Black people.”
Jackson later apologized publicly for the comments, telling Chris Cuomo, “I’m a long-standing supporter [of Obama], and because of my commitment to what he represents and the campaign, I was quick to apologize for any offense or any harm or hurt.”
Despite the controversy, Jackson had long been seen as a trailblazer whose own presidential runs in 1984 and 1988 helped pave the way for future Black candidates. He was visibly emotional when Obama won the presidency, and both men share political roots in Chicago.
Jackson died peacefully on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones. He was 84.