Trump Mourns Death of Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

Claims Jackson 'Could Not Stand' Former President Obama

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump mourned the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson in a social media post, claiming Jackson 'could not stand' former President Barack Obama. Trump praised Jackson as a 'good man' and said he had provided support to Jackson and his Rainbow Coalition over the years.

Why it matters

The relationship between Trump and Jackson, two prominent political figures, is notable given their differing political affiliations and backgrounds. Trump's comments about Jackson's views on Obama also provide insight into the complex dynamics within the civil rights movement.

The details

In his social media post, Trump said he knew Jackson well 'long before becoming President' and that he had provided office space for Jackson and his Rainbow Coalition at Trump Tower. Trump also claimed he helped get criminal justice reform passed and signed, secured long-term funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and supported Jackson's Opportunity Zones initiative. However, Trump also stated that Jackson 'could not stand' former President Obama, with whom Jackson had previously worked.

  • Jesse Jackson died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021.

Jesse Jackson

A prominent civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate who passed away in 2026 at the age of 84.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who served from 2009 to 2017.

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What they’re saying

“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!”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Truth Social)

“Our father was a servant leader – not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

— Jackson Family (Family Statement)

What’s next

The Jackson family is expected to hold a memorial service to honor Jesse Jackson's life and legacy in the coming days.

The takeaway

The relationship between Trump and Jackson, two influential figures from different political backgrounds, highlights the complex dynamics within the civil rights movement. While they had areas of cooperation, Trump's claim that Jackson 'could not stand' Obama suggests underlying tensions and differing perspectives on the direction of the movement.