Harris says she predicted state of US under Trump at Jesse Jackson funeral: 'We did see it coming'

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Former Vice President Kamala Harris used her speech at Rev Jesse Jackson’s funeral in Chicago to take a pointed jab at Donald Trump’s presidency.

In her speech, Harris said she had predicted much of what is happening in the country today. She did not mention Trump by name, but it was clear she was referring to his time in office. Trump had decisively defeated Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Kamala Harris takes jab at Trump before honoring Jesse Jackson

A widely shared clip on X shows Kamala Harris speaking at Jesse Jackson’s funeral in Chicago on Friday, March 6. The Democrat used the moment to reflect on the state of the country, saying, “Let me just say. I predicted a lot about what's happening right now. I'm not into saying I told you so, but we did see it coming.” 

The former vice president paused to acknowledge the loss of Jackson, adding, “But what I did not predict? That we would not have Jesse Jackson with us right now to help us get through this.” Harris credited Jackson with inspiring generations to fight for justice and hope, noting that his guidance remains sorely missed.

Turning her focus fully to honoring Jackson, she said, “And this afternoon has been such a beautiful. Remembrance of his spirit, his life, and his faith. And in a way that Reverend Al talked about it in so many others have. I do.”

She then shared a message of hope, saying, “Think of this afternoon as what it is doing for me to renew my faith in what is possible, fueled by the hope that Jesse Jackson so often reminded us of.”

Barack Obama describes the country under Trump's leadership

At Jesse Jackson's funeral, Barack Obama also used his remarks to criticize Donald Trump, his policies, and his vision for America.

The former president described the country under Trump’s leadership, saying, “Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions, another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency. Every day you wake up to, to things you just didn’t think were possible.”

Although Obama did not mention Trump by name, his meaning was clear. The crowd at Chicago’s House of Hope erupted in applause as he spoke. He continued, “Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don’t even count at all. Everywhere we see greed and bigotry, being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength." 

Obama concluded, "But this man, Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change, to be messengers of hope.”

Meanwhile, Trump spent the day at the White House attending meetings regarding the Iran war and hosting college sports representatives. A White House official told The New York Post, “President Donald Trump was unable to attend Jackson’s funeral due to scheduling and ongoing events, and has recorded a video message in tribute."