US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, who has died at the age of 84.
Trump described Jackson as “a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts,” adding, “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.”
He said he provided office space for Jackson and his coalition for years, helped him secure criminal justice reform, and “single handedly pushed and passed long term funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities, which Jesse loved.”
Trump also criticised former President Barack Obama, writing, “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 concluded by expressing condolences to Jackson’s family, writing, “Jesse will be missed!”
Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and later US politics. He ran twice for the Democratic presidential nomination and built a career focused on organising African Americans politically and improving their economic and social conditions.
Tributes have poured in from around the world following news of his death, including from Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., and Zohran Mamdani.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described Jackson as “a legendary voice for the voiceless.”
“For decades, while laboring in the vineyards of the community, he inspired us to keep hope alive in the struggle for liberty and justice for all,” Jeffries wrote. “We are thankful for the incredible service of Rev. Jesse Jackson to the nation and his profound sacrifice as the people’s champion.”
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy recalled how Jackson was “one of the first people to call” him after the 2011 riots in Tottenham. He described Jackson as a pillar of the civil rights movement and a dear friend of former Tottenham MP Bernie Grant.
“It was a privilege to share such precious time with him in Chicago and London over the years,” Lammy wrote. “May his legacy live on.”
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris called Jackson “one of America’s greatest patriots,” noting that his presidential campaigns “electrified millions of Americans and showed them what could be possible.”
“He gave a voice to people who were removed from power and politics. He let us know our voices mattered. He instilled in us that we were somebody. And he widened the path for generations to follow in his footsteps and lead,” she said.
Harris also recalled displaying a “Jesse Jackson for President” bumper sticker as a student, saying people from all walks of life showed support.
“Reverend Jackson was a selfless leader, mentor, and friend to me and so many others,” she added.
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