Donald Trump makes disturbing claim about Jesse Jackson after civil rights icon dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader, has died at the age of 84. Tributes are now being received, including one from President Donald Trump. However, while he commended Jackson, he also made a rather contentious assertion.

The longtime civil rights advocate, two-time presidential candidate, and Baptist minister, Rev. Jesse Jackson, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family.

In a statement, the Jackson family indicated that he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. The cause of death has not been disclosed immediately.

“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the globe,” the Jackson family stated. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His steadfast belief in justice, equality, and love inspired millions, and we urge you to honor his legacy by continuing the struggle for the principles he embodied.”

Jesse Jackson was hospitalized in November and had been living for over a decade with a severe brain condition known as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as reported by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84.

This condition impairs walking and swallowing, potentially leading to serious health complications.

In 2017, he disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Prior to making this information public, he underwent treatment at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago for approximately two years.

The family announced that public memorial services will take place in Chicago. Further details regarding upcoming celebrations of life will be provided later by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson gained prominence during the civil rights movement. He marched and protested alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality. Throughout his career, Jesse Jackson also sought the Democratic presidential nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988.

Tributes to this civil rights icon are currently being shared widely. On Truth Social, President Donald Trump also expressed his admiration for Jesse Jackson, stating that he knew him “well” and that he was a “good man.”

“The Reverend Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84. I had the privilege of knowing him well, long before I assumed the presidency. He was an admirable individual, characterized by his vibrant personality, determination, and practical wisdom. He was exceptionally sociable – a person who genuinely cherished human connections!” Trump remarked.

Donald Trump asserted that Jesse Jackson “had a strong aversion to” Barack Obama.

“Even though I am unjustly and repeatedly labeled a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics of the Radical Left, all Democrats, it was always a pleasure for me to assist Jesse throughout his journey,” Trump elaborated.

“I offered office space to him and his Rainbow Coalition for many years in the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street; I responded to his appeal for assistance in enacting and signing CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM when no other President would even attempt it; I single-handedly advocated for and secured long-term funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), which Jesse valued, yet other Presidents failed to do; I acknowledged Jesse’s endorsement of Opportunity Zones, the most effective economic development initiative ever approved for Black entrepreneurs, among other contributions,” the president added.

Donald Trump ended the post by asserting that Jackson was, at the very least, not particularly fond of Barack Obama.

“Jesse was an extraordinary force, unlike many others who came before him. He played a significant role in the election of Barack Hussein Obama, a man whom Jesse despised, without receiving any acknowledgment or credit for it. He had a profound love for his family, and I extend my sincerest sympathies and condolences to them. Jesse will be greatly missed!” Trump concluded.

Neither Barack Obama nor the family of Jesse Jackson has issued a response to Donald Trump’s assertion.

Rest in peace, Jesse Jackson.