A memorial service meant to honor civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson quickly turned political when several high-profile Democrats used their speeches to criticize President Donald Trump.
Although Trump did not attend the service in Chicago, his presidency became a central topic for several speakers, including Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Al Sharpton.
The comments sparked controversy among observers who felt a memorial service was an unusual place to launch political attacks.
Kamala Harris Appears To Take Swipe At Trump
Former Vice President Kamala Harris drew loud applause from the crowd when she suggested that today’s political climate had been predictable.
“I predicted a lot about what’s happening right now,” Harris said during her remarks.
The audience responded enthusiastically as Harris added that many people had seen the current situation coming.
“I’m not someone who likes to say ‘I told you so,’ but we did see it coming,” she said.
While Harris never mentioned President Trump by name, many in attendance interpreted the comments as a reference to the 45th and 47th president, who defeated Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Harris then shifted her focus back to Jackson, saying she wished the longtime activist were still alive to help guide the country.
“But what I didn’t predict,” she said, “is that we wouldn’t have Jesse Jackson here to help us get through this.”
Obama Criticizes Current Political Climate
Former President Barack Obama also delivered remarks that many interpreted as criticism of the Trump administration.
“Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions,” Obama said. “Another setback to the rule of law. Another offense to common decency.”
Obama did not mention Trump directly, but the crowd inside Chicago’s House of Hope responded with applause and a standing ovation.
The former president continued by warning about growing division in the country.
“Each day we’re told by those in high office to fear each other and turn on each other,” Obama said. “That some Americans count more than others, and that some don’t count at all.”
Despite the political undertones, Obama said Jesse Jackson’s legacy should inspire Americans to remain hopeful and committed to change.
“Reverend Jackson challenges us to take the harder path,” Obama said. “To continue working toward hope and progress.”
Trump Sends Tribute Instead
While the memorial service was taking place in Chicago, President Donald Trump spent the day at the White House holding meetings related to national security and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A White House official confirmed the president could not attend due to scheduling conflicts.
“President Donald Trump was unable to attend Reverend Jackson’s funeral due to ongoing events and commitments,” the official said. “However, he recorded a video message honoring Jackson’s life and legacy.”
Biden And Sharpton Join The Criticism
Former President Joe Biden also used his remarks to criticize the current administration.
“We’re in a tough spot right now,” Biden told the audience. “We’ve got an administration that doesn’t share the values that we believe in.”
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton was even more direct in his comments, energizing the crowd with a pointed message.
“I don’t care what they do in Washington,” Sharpton said. “What matters is what we do in our communities. We’ve faced people bigger than Trump before.”
Packed Crowd Of Democratic Leaders
The memorial service drew a large number of prominent political figures.
Among those attending were:
- Former President Bill Clinton
- Former President Barack Obama
- Former President Joe Biden
- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
- California Governor Gavin Newsom
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
- Former First Lady Jill Biden
- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
NBA legend Isaiah Thomas even joked about the number of political leaders present.
He told the audience there were “five presidents” in the room before naming Harris, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Biden, and Obama — drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
Notably absent were former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Remembering Jesse Jackson’s Political Legacy
Despite the political commentary throughout the event, speakers repeatedly emphasized the enormous impact Rev. Jesse Jackson had on American politics.
Jackson passed away last month at his Chicago home at the age of 84.
Many speakers credited his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 with helping reshape the Democratic Party and inspiring a new generation of political leaders.
Obama said watching Jackson run for president helped convince him that anything was possible in American politics.
“When I watched him on the debate stage, it showed young people like me there wasn’t any room in America where we didn’t belong,” Obama said.
He also joked that Jackson played a role in bringing him to Chicago.
“I grew up in Hawaii,” Obama said. “I definitely didn’t know how I was going to survive Chicago winters.”
Still, Obama said Jackson’s courage and determination helped pave the way for future candidates.
“It was because of the path he laid,” Obama said, “that someone like me could be taken seriously as a presidential candidate.”
Clinton Shares Emotional Story
Former President Bill Clinton shared a deeply personal memory that illustrated Jackson’s character.
Clinton recalled receiving a surprising phone call from Jackson during the political turmoil of his 1998 impeachment battle.
“I thought he was calling to talk to me,” Clinton said. “But he said he wanted to talk to my daughter Chelsea.”
Jackson called simply to check on Chelsea Clinton and pray with her during the difficult time.
“That’s the kind of man Jesse Jackson was,” Clinton said.
Clinton concluded by encouraging those in attendance to honor Jackson’s legacy through acts of kindness and friendship.
“I’m here more as a friend than as a former president,” Clinton said. “Ask yourself how you can do more by being a better friend to someone who needs it.”