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President Trump honors civil rights icon Jesse Jackson at White House Black History Month event, calling him “a real hero” just one day after his death.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to civil rights activist Jesse Jackson during a White House Black History Month celebration on Wednesday, describing the late leader as “a real hero” who “got better and better all the time.” The remarks came just one day after Jackson’s death at age 84.
“I wanted to begin by expressing a sadness that the passing of a person who was, I knew very well. Jesse was a piece of work. He was a piece of work. But he was a good man. He was a real hero,” Trump said, drawing cheers from the audience gathered at the White House.
Trump reflected on his long-standing relationship with Jackson, which predated his presidency. “A lot of people you get to know, they get worse and worse. Jesse got better and better,” Trump said. “I knew him well long before becoming president, and he really was special with lots of personality, grit and street smarts.”
The two men had crossed paths numerous times over the decades, including at several boxing matches held at Trump’s Atlantic City casino properties in the late 1980s. Their relationship spanned both the business and political worlds, with photographs showing them together at various events throughout the years.
Jackson, a towering figure in American civil rights history, died Tuesday at 84. While his exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, he had been battling Parkinson’s disease and other health issues in recent years. The civil rights leader had joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s civil rights movement before King’s assassination and went on to found the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a prominent civil rights organization.
“He was gregarious and someone who truly loved people and a force of nature who is somebody that we’re going to greatly miss,” Trump continued. “On behalf of everyone here today, I know you join me in sending our condolences to the entire family.”
Trump had previously shared his condolences on his Truth Social platform shortly after news of Jackson’s death broke on Tuesday. The president’s public acknowledgment of Jackson’s legacy came despite their often differing political views – Jackson was a two-time Democratic presidential candidate who frequently criticized Republican policies.
Wednesday’s event at the White House drew what Trump described as a “sold-out crowd” of Black community leaders. The president mentioned that the White House ballroom currently under renovation would accommodate far larger gatherings in the future.
During the celebration, Trump also highlighted economic achievements for Black Americans during his administration and reiterated his 2025 announcement that former Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Ben’s getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It’s the highest award you can have outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor,” Trump noted.
Jackson’s death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, with Vice President Kamala Harris, Ohio Senator JD Vance, and former President Barack Obama all issuing statements honoring his legacy and contributions to American civil rights. As one of the last living major civil rights leaders from the King era, Jackson’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in American history.
Throughout his decades in public life, Jackson remained a persistent voice for racial equality and economic justice, running groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 that helped pave the way for future Black political candidates, including Barack Obama.
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12 Comments
It’s notable that Trump took the time to honor Jesse Jackson’s legacy, even if their relationship has been complex. Recognizing the humanity in those we disagree with is a valuable skill.
I’m curious to see if this event sparks any meaningful dialogue or collaboration between Trump and the civil rights community moving forward.
While Trump and Jackson have butted heads in the past, it’s good to see the President acknowledging Jackson’s important role in the fight for racial justice. Small steps towards unity can make a big difference.
This could be an opportunity for Trump to build bridges and demonstrate a more inclusive, unifying approach. But the true test will be in his future actions and policies.
While Trump and Jackson had their disagreements, it’s good to see the President honoring Jackson’s legacy as a civil rights pioneer. Finding common ground is crucial for progress.
This event could be an opportunity for Trump to build bridges and show a more inclusive, unifying side. But actions will speak louder than words.
I’m surprised to see Trump praising Jesse Jackson, given their political differences over the years. But it’s encouraging to see leaders find ways to acknowledge each other’s contributions.
Hopefully this marks a shift towards more bipartisan cooperation on important civil rights issues. We need leaders who can rise above partisan divides.
Interesting to see Trump praise a civil rights icon like Jesse Jackson. Even with their differences, it’s good to see some bipartisan recognition of his important contributions to the country.
I’m curious to learn more about the history between Trump and Jackson. Seems they had a complex relationship over the years.
It’s admirable that Trump acknowledged Jackson’s positive impact, despite their political differences. Recognizing each other’s humanity and accomplishments, even across divides, is an important step.
I wonder if this signals a shift in Trump’s approach to civil rights leaders and the Black community. Time will tell if this is a one-off or part of a broader change.