Donald Trump has paid tribute to civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson following his death, calling him a long-time partner and inspiration. But the relationship between the two men was complex, ranging from collaborations in New York business circles to sharp political differences on the national stage.Jackson died on Tuesday at the age of 84. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow Advance Alliance, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.,” the Rainbow Advance Alliance said in announcing his death. “He passed away peacefully Tuesday morning surrounded by his family.”
Trump’s tribute
Hours after Jackson’s death, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social: “I knew him well long before he became president. He was a good man with great character, courage, and ‘street smarts.'” He was very gregarious—a man who truly loved people! “He added that he had supported Jackson’s organization for years, providing office space in Manhattan and shared many old photos with Hum. “While I have been wrongly called a racist by the thugs and lunatics of the radical left and all Democrats, I have always been happy to help Jesse along the way,” Trump wrote. He said Jackson “had been given space in Trump Tower at 40 Wall Street for many years.”“
Trump also credited Jackson’s advocacy with influencing some of his own policies. “Responded to his pleas for help passing and signing Criminal Justice Reform when other presidents would not even try; single-handedly pushed and passed long-term funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), something Jesse loved that no other president would have done,” he wrote. “Responded to Jesse’s support for Opportunity Zones, the most successful economic development plan ever approved for black businessmen/women, and more. Jesse has a force of nature like others before him. “
early cooperation
The two met in New York long before Trump entered politics. In the 1990s, Trump provided office space to Jackson’s Rainbow Initiative. At a 1999 news conference, Jackson called Trump a “friend” and said, “He’s also been there when it comes to reaching out and being inclusive.”Speaking at the same event, Trump joked about Jackson’s negotiating skills. “Jesse started by saying, ‘Most of the wealth in this country is in the hands of a few people.’ And I thought to myself: Is that a bad thing?” he said, drawing laughter. He added: “He’s a very tough negotiator… No, he’s a great guy. We love him and I will support him.”
political division
Their relationship changed after Trump entered politics. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Jackson supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. In an interview with Bloomberg TV that year, Jackson said Trump was “affable and sociable” in his early years but criticized his campaign stance.“These ideas are not only conservative, but they are somewhat off-center. They could be destabilizing for the country,” Jackson said of Trump’s policies on immigration, foreign affairs and health care. He refused to label Trump a racist, saying he didn’t want his campaign to revolve around “branding.”In 2020, Jackson supported veteran leader Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary.
jackson and obama
Trump’s most recent tribute also claimed Jackson helped elect Barack Obama, “a man Jesse couldn’t stand.” Jackson has publicly supported Obama, although he did make critical remarks during the 2008 campaign, which he later apologized for, saying he believed they were off the record.Obama also posted a tribute to Jackson on X: After Obama won in 2008, Jackson was visibly emotional. “We are a better America today,” he told CBS. “America is a work in progress, and last night we saw that work expressed in the most magnificent way possible.”For decades, Jackson remained one of America’s most prominent black leaders, twice elected as a presidential candidate and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
