Trump salutes Jesse Jackson, recalling their long-standing collaboration
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump paid tribute to the Reverend Jesse Jackson on Tuesday, February 17, calling the late civil rights leader a “force of nature” following his death at age 84. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump reflected on what he described as a decades-long personal and professional relationship with Jackson, calling him a “good man” with notable “personality, grit, and street smarts.”
The President remarked that Jackson "truly loved people" and offered his condolences to Jackson's family. He highlighted Jackson's political influence, particularly his role in shaping Democratic politics and his connection to the election of former President Barack Obama, acknowledging that their relationship was sometimes complicated.
Trump reflects on long-term collaborative ties
Trump said his relationship with Jackson began years before his presidency. He noted that the Rainbow Coalition was provided office space in the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street for several years. The President stated that he supported Jackson’s initiatives despite political criticism directed at him during that period.
He also pointed to cooperation on criminal justice reform, referencing the bipartisan legislation signed into law during his administration. Trump said Jackson’s advocacy played a role in advancing those discussions, describing the effort as part of broader outreach to minority communities through legislative reform.
Advancing funding for historic black colleges
Another area Trump highlighted was federal support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He stated that his administration secured long-term funding for HBCUs, ending the need for annual congressional renewals.
Trump said Jackson had long supported increased federal backing for HBCUs and described the funding measure as aligned with Jackson’s goals of expanding educational access and economic opportunity for Black students. The administration framed the funding change as a structural shift intended to provide financial certainty for the institutions.
Economic development through new opportunity zones
The President also referenced Opportunity Zones, a program created under the 2017 tax overhaul to encourage private investment in economically distressed communities. Trump described the initiative as a major economic development effort and said Jackson had expressed support for policies designed to expand business opportunities in underserved areas.
Opportunity Zones were structured to provide tax incentives for investors who direct capital into designated communities. Trump said the program reflected a shared interest in promoting local entrepreneurship and economic growth in urban areas.
A final farewell to a force
In his concluding remarks, Trump emphasized the significant impact Jackson had on American public life. He stated that Jackson’s contributions to civil rights and political activism would be lasting, even despite the political disagreements that exist across party lines.
While acknowledging their frequent political differences, Trump described their collaboration on certain policy issues as meaningful. He ended by expressing condolences to Jackson’s family and noted that the civil rights leader would be remembered for his influence on national debates related to justice, education, and economic opportunity.
