President Donald Trump publicly honored the late Rev. Jesse Jackson during a White House Black History Month reception on February 18, 2026, offering a candid reflection on their decades-long relationship.
Speaking before attendees, the President acknowledged Jackson’s long career in civil rights and his impact on American political life.
“I just want to pay my highest respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson,” Trump said. “Jesse was a piece of work. He was a piece of work, but he was a good man. He was a real hero.”
Rev. Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, recently passed away at the age of 84. His work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as his decades of activism through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, shaped national conversations on race, voting rights, and economic justice.
During the reception, President Trump also reflected on the evolution of their personal dynamic, noting that despite political differences, their relationship improved over time — a contrast to the often tense atmosphere in Washington politics.
The remarks added a moment of unexpected warmth to the event, highlighting how long-standing political rivals can share mutual respect beyond public disagreements.
Rev. Jackson’s legacy remains deeply embedded in the broader story of American civil rights — a history that continues to influence leaders across party lines.