Donald Trump turns tribute to Jesse Jackson into controversial attack on Barack Obama
Donald Trump's tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson quickly turned into a rant about former president Barack Obama.
He took aim at his political predecessor in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday (17 February), while paying homage to the respected civil rights campaigner who passed away hours earlier.
Jackson, who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr and a two-time US presidential candidate, 'died peacefully at home surrounded by his family', his loved ones said.
A statement from his relatives read: "His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.
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"A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote - leaving an indelible mark on history."
Jackson was described as a 'servant leader to the the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world', while his family asked people to 'honour his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by'.
The reverend leaves a lasting legacy behind, having led a lifetime of crusades - advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care.
He was renowned for leading the civil rights movement for decades after Dr King’s assassination.
Despite facing prominent health challenges in his final years - including a rare brain disorder that affected his ability to move and speak - Rev Jackson continued protesting against racial injustice.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump shared his condolences for the civil rights leader, dubbing him as a 'force of nature'.
But the tribute turned into an attack on his political foe Obama, which comes just weeks after a racist video of Barack and Michelle was shared via Trump's social media account.
In the post honouring Jackson, Trump said: "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!
"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 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 post continued.
"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.
Trump then signed off the tribute saying: "He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
In 2007, Jackson threw his weight behind Obama's presidential run and offered him support - however, he then sparked controversy after making a 'crude' remark about Obama the following year.
While appearing on a Fox News programme, the reverend made a comment about Obama during a ad break without realising it would be picked up by a microphone.
"I want to cut his nuts out," the reverend told to a fellow guest. "Barack, he is talking down to black people."
However, Jackson later apologised for making the 'crude and hurtful remarks', while he was seen with tears streaming down his face after Obama was elected in 2008.
Topics: Barack Obama, Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Olivia Burke