Fact Check: Did Jesse Jackson personally praise Trump for helping underserved communities?

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A video circulating widely on social media claims that civil rights leader Jesse Jackson once praised Donald Trump for his commitment to underserved communities. As the clip resurfaces following Jackson’s passing, it has reignited discussions and speculation online. We examined the footage to separate fact from rumor.

Claim: Jesse Jackson praised Donald Trump

The clip, shared millions of times on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, appears to show Jackson introducing Trump at a New York gathering. Viewers debated its authenticity, especially given Trump’s later controversies related to race.

The viral narrative suggested that Jackson endorsed Trump’s dedication to supporting communities historically overlooked in economic and social initiatives.

Fact Check: Jesse Jackson did praise Trump for his commitment to underserved communities

The footage is genuine and available on C-SPAN's website. It was recorded on January 14, 1999, during a New York event organized by Jackson’s Wall Street Project, an initiative aimed at promoting economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Several notable figures, including Trump, attended.

During his introduction, Jackson stated, “I now want to bring forth a friend who has — well he is deceptive in that his social style is of such, one can miss that his seriousness and just commitment for the success is beyond argument. When we opened this Wall Street Project and we talked about it, he gave us space at 40 Wall Street, which was to make a statement about our having a presence there. And beyond that, in terms of reaching out and being inclusive, he's done that too… Donald Trump, for a few minutes. Challenges and opportunities to embrace the underserved communities.”

Jackson’s remarks highlighted Trump’s participation in the initiative and his willingness to engage with minority business leaders, emphasizing inclusion and economic opportunity.

The video confirms that the claim circulating online is true: Jackson did praise Trump’s commitment to supporting underserved communities during this 1999 event. 

Jesse Jackson’s praise of Trump in historical context

While the clip captures a positive interaction, it is important to view it in historical context. Jackson’s commendation occurred over two decades ago, during a specific economic project, and does not necessarily reflect broader political or social alliances later in both their lives.