Obama delivers a pointed attack on Trump at Jesse Jackson’s funeral, but Trump spent the day on Truth Social, criticizing Obama instead of attending

At Reverend Jesse Jackson’s funeral in Chicago, former President Barack Obama delivered sharp remarks criticizing the current administration, though he never mentioned President Trump by name. Trump did not attend the service. Instead, he posted on Truth Social, paying tribute to Jackson while also taking a shot at Obama.

According to The Hill, Obama spoke about the difficulty of feeling hopeful right now. “Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions,” he said. He added, “Another setback the idea of the rule of law. An offense to common decency.” Obama also said those in power are encouraging people “to fear each other, and to turn on each other,” and that “some Americans count more than others.”

Despite the heavy tone, Obama shifted to honoring Jackson’s legacy. He said Jackson “inspires us to take a harder path” and that his “voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change, to be messengers of hope.”

Obama and Biden used Jackson’s funeral to push back hard against the current administration

The funeral honored Jackson, who passed away last month at 84 after battling progressive supranuclear palsy. He was celebrated for decades of civil rights work and for helping pave the way for Black politicians, including Obama. Former Presidents Biden and Clinton, along with Reverend Al Sharpton, also attended.

Biden was more direct in his remarks. “We 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,” he said, adding that Americans are “in a tough spot, folks.” He praised Jackson for knowing “who we were at our best.”

Obama: “We are living in a time where it can be hard to hope. Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions. Another setback to the idea of the rule of law … but this man — Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson — inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls… pic.twitter.com/o23bpUDp8a

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 6, 2026

Clinton, who awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, kept his speech focused entirely on honoring the civil rights leader, with no references to Trump. Trump has faced criticism on multiple fronts recently, including for targeting Michelle Obama with outrageous claims on social media.

I know I shouldn’t be shocked that this assclown can’t stop being petty, even while discussing the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

But why is he throwing shade at President Obama in this message, and bragging about himself?

Not a shred of decency.
None. Zilch. pic.twitter.com/QglLGfbOrN

— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) February 17, 2026

While the speeches were happening, Trump posted on Truth Social calling Jackson “a force of nature like few others before him.” However, he quickly turned his post into an attack on Obama, writing, “He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand.” Trump ended by saying, “Jesse will be missed!”

This exchange follows recent tensions between Trump and the Obamas. Trump had reposted a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, which was later removed by the White House following bipartisan criticism. Reports revealed what White House staffers said after the racist Obama video was posted, shedding more light on the fallout inside the administration.

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