Obama, Biden and Harris accused of ‘hijacking’ Jesse Jackson's funeral to bash Trump

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris are facing accusations of turning Rev Jesse Jackson’s funeral service into a political moment after their high-profile speeches appeared to reference President Donald Trump.

Some critics said the civil rights leader deserved a more respectful tribute and expressed sympathy for Jackson’s family.

Critics slam Democratic leaders for turning Jesse Jackson’s funeral into a 'hateful, divisive political rally'

Conservatives expressed outrage after Democratic leaders, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Al Sharpton, took jabs at Donald Trump's presidency and the MAGA movement during Jesse Jackson’s funeral in Chicago on Friday, March 6.

Critics claimed the remarks went against the family’s request for a politics-free service meant to honor Jackson’s civil rights legacy.

Reverend Jordon Wells wrote on X, “Rev. Jesse Jackson's funeral turned into the most hateful, divisive political rally I've ever witnessed. Obama, Biden, Kamala, Sharpton—they hijacked his memory to bash Trump & MAGA instead of honoring a civil rights giant. Utterly disrespectful. RIP Rev. Jackson—you deserved better."

Another conservative voice, Michele Maxwell, also criticized the speeches on X, writing, “I feel so bad for Jesse’s family. They didn’t deserve this. They didn’t want the divisiveness. They wanted to honor their Dad with a peaceful ceremony. Obama should apologize but he won’t."

One X user remarked, “The Funeral wasn’t supposed to be a Political Rally for any Party but the left have no morals or Respect and it shows."

Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and AI Sharpton criticize Trump

Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Al Sharpton used their eulogies to criticize President Donald Trump, his policies, and his vision for the country.

As the crowd applauded loudly, Harris said she had predicted many of the current developments. “Let me just say I predicted a lot about what’s happening right now,” she said. “I’m not into saying I told you so but we did see it coming.”

Obama also spoke about the state of the country under the current leadership. While he did not mention Trump by name, his message was clear. The audience at Chicago’s House of Hope responded with cheers and applause as he spoke.

The former president said, "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.”

He added, "Everywhere we see greed and bigotry, being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength. It’s hard to hope in those moments."

Biden also criticized the administration that succeeded him in the Oval Office. “We’re in a tough spot, folks,” he said. “We’ve got an administration that doesn’t share any of the values that we have. And I don’t think I’m exaggerating a little bit.”

Sharpton delivered a more direct message to the crowd, urging action at the community level. He remarked, “I don’t care what they do in Washington, I care what we do in the community. We’ve beat people bigger than Trump!"