The legendary activist passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at his home in Chicago, surrounded by his loving family, according to a heartfelt statement from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition he founded decades ago. While the exact cause remains private, Jackson had bravely battled the debilitating progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) — a rare neurodegenerative disease — for years, following an earlier Parkinson’s diagnosis. His family described him as a “servant leader” devoted not just to them, but to “the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.”

In a stunning twist that has left even his fiercest critics stunned, President Donald Trump — the man often painted by opponents as the face of division — broke his silence with a surprisingly warm and lengthy tribute on Truth Social.

The former — and current — commander-in-chief didn’t hold back, calling Jackson “a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and ‘street smarts.'” Trump described the reverend as “very gregarious — someone who truly loved people!” and hailed him as “a force of nature like few others before him.”

Trump revealed he had known Jackson “well, long before becoming president,” and boasted of assisting the Rainbow PUSH Coalition over the years. In a classic Trump flourish, he couldn’t resist firing back at his detractors: “Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way.”

The post continued with Trump crediting Jackson’s deep family love, sending “my deepest sympathies and condolences” to his wife Jacqueline, their five children (including former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.), and extended loved ones.

This unexpected show of respect from Trump comes amid a flood of tributes from across the political spectrum — a rare moment of unity in these bitterly divided times. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden all weighed in, with Obama calling Jackson a “true giant” who “laid the foundation” for his own historic run. Yet Trump’s words stand out for their personal touch and defiance, reminding everyone of the unlikely alliances Jackson forged in his relentless push for justice.

Jackson’s life was nothing short of epic. Born Jesse Louis Burns in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941 to a teenage mother amid the brutal grip of segregation, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of America’s most influential voices. Ordained as a Baptist minister, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Dr. King during the Selma marches and was on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis the night King was assassinated in 1968 — an image forever etched in history.

Undeterred, Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971 and later the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, championing economic empowerment, voting rights, and an inclusive “rainbow coalition” that bridged racial divides. His electrifying speeches — “Keep hope alive!” — became rallying cries for generations.

He made history twice as a serious contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, galvanizing millions with his bold vision of a fairer America. Though he didn’t win, his campaigns shattered barriers and paved the way for future trailblazers.

Even in his later years, as illness slowed his legendary stride, Jackson remained a moral force — protesting police brutality, advocating for the poor, and never shying away from controversy. His relationship with Trump had its ups and downs: in the 1990s, Jackson praised Trump’s efforts on minority business opportunities and even opened an office in one of his buildings. Tensions flared during Trump’s first term, but the president’s latest words suggest a deeper mutual respect endured behind the headlines.

Leaders from every corner have reflected on Jackson’s unparalleled decades of public service. Civil rights giants, politicians, celebrities, and everyday Americans have flooded social media with memories of a man who refused to back down. “He was a pathfinder,” one commentator said. “A warrior for justice who never stopped fighting.”

As the nation mourns, questions swirl: Will this moment of cross-aisle reverence last? Can Trump’s tribute bridge divides Jackson spent his life trying to heal? Or is it just another fleeting headline in an era of endless outrage?

One thing is certain — Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy as a towering figure of courage, conviction, and unyielding hope will endure long after the headlines fade.

His family asks for privacy as they grieve, but the world won’t soon forget the man who dared to dream of a brighter, more equitable tomorrow.

Rest in power, Reverend. The rainbow you built still shines.