Trump Reflects on Jesse Jackson’s Legacy Following Civil Rights Leader’s Death at 84 [WATCH]

President Donald Trump issued a statement Tuesday following the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson at age 84, offering condolences and recounting his past interactions with the longtime civil rights leader, as reported by Fox News.

When Jesse Jackson twice ran for President, his friend Donald Trump supported him. Jackson praised Donald Trump for attending campaign-related business meeting in New York at a time when many others thought it was laughable or something to avoid. pic.twitter.com/7r2lTwSIV7

— Patricia Dickson (@Patrici15767099) January 20, 2019

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Jackson, a prominent activist and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, had been battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurodegenerative condition.

According to a Rainbow PUSH Coalition press release issued last year, “He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade.

He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April, his PSP conduction was confirmed.”

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said he had known Jackson for years, dating back to before his time in the White House.

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“The Reverend Jesse Jackson is Dead at 84. I knew him well, long before becoming President. He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and “street smarts.” He was very gregarious – Someone who truly loved people!” the president wrote.

Trump also addressed criticism he has faced from political opponents.

“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 continued.

The president detailed several instances in which he said he worked with or supported Jackson and his initiatives.

JUST IN: President Trump posts a flurry of EPIC PHOTOS with the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, who just passed away

EVERYBODY knows there was an era where the civil rights leaders loved Trump when he was PEAK New York!

The “racism” BS only started when he ran for POTUS pic.twitter.com/m7r4U6BTBv

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 17, 2026

“I provided office space for him and his Rainbow Coalition, for years, in the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street; Responded to his request for help in getting CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM passed and signed, when no other President would even try; Single handedly pushed and passed long term funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), which Jesse loved, but also, which other Presidents would not do; Responded to Jesse’s support for Opportunity Zones, the single most successful economic development package yet approved for Black business men/women, and much more,” the president added.

Trump concluded his statement by reflecting on Jackson’s broader influence in national politics.

“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. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!” Trump wrote.

BREAKING: Reverend Jesse Jackson dies at 84, President Trump says — “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.”

“I provided… pic.twitter.com/GW8eEAuAL0

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 17, 2026

Jackson’s family released a statement describing him as a lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice.

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the family said.

“We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by,” the statement continued.

Jackson was widely known for his civil rights activism, presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and decades of involvement in national political and social issues.

IN 1999, REV. JESSE JACKSON PRAISED RIGHTFUL PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR ALWAYS HELPING THE BLACK COMMUNITY!

“[Trump’s] commitment for this success is beyond argument,” Rev. Jackson said.

We know the FAKE NEWS won’t report this.

Share to make this go viral! pic.twitter.com/KGHpslTpL3

— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) August 2, 2024

His death marks the passing of a figure who played a visible role in American public life for more than half a century.

President Trump’s statement highlighted both their personal interactions and policy matters where the two intersected. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has not yet announced details regarding memorial services.

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