President Donald Trump criticized former President Barack Obama during a rally on Wednesday in northern Kentucky, accusing him of turning the memorial service for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson into a political event, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The rally took place after Trump made a stop earlier in the day in Ohio. During his speech to supporters, the president addressed comments Obama delivered at Jackson’s funeral the previous week in Chicago.

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Jackson died last month at the age of 84 following a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disorder.

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A memorial service was held in Chicago, where several former presidents attended to honor the longtime civil rights figure.

Among those present were former Presidents Bill Clinton, Obama, and Joe Biden. During the ceremony, Obama delivered a eulogy that included criticism of the Trump administration.

Obama spoke for roughly 30 minutes during the memorial service and made comments that referenced broader political themes and the state of public discourse in the United States.

“Everywhere we see greed and bigotry being celebrated, and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength,” Obama said during the remarks.

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“We see science and expertise denigrated while ignorance and dishonesty and cruelty and corruption are reaping untold rewards,” Obama said.

“Every single day we see that, and it’s hard to hope,” he said.

Trump addressed those comments during his rally in Kentucky, telling the crowd he believed Obama had turned the memorial into a political attack.

“He went to Jesse Jackson’s funeral, he spoke, and it was like a political hit job!” Trump said.

The president also referenced tension involving members of Jackson’s family following the service.

“And the family of Jesse Jackson got angry as hell at him because they understand they hated each other, you know, he was there,” Trump said, referring to criticism directed at Obama by Jackson’s son.

Trump continued by describing a reaction outside the event.

“The family goes outside, and they start screaming at him!” Trump said.

BREAKING: President Trump just DECIMATED Barack Hussein Obama for politicizing Jesse Jackson's funeral against MAGA

"They HATED each other!" "He went to Jesse Jackson's funeral, he spoke and it was like a political HIT JOB!" "And the family of Jesse Jackson got angry as… pic.twitter.com/qwWZTJnAtc — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 11, 2026

The memorial service for Jackson drew national attention due to his long career in politics and activism. Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 1984 and 1988.

During the Chicago ceremony, speakers reflected on Jackson’s decades of involvement in civil rights campaigns, political organizing, and advocacy work.

Obama’s remarks at the memorial generated additional discussion because they included commentary on current political conditions. His comments drew attention from both supporters and critics following the service.

Trump’s rally comments in Kentucky highlighted the continued political friction between the current president and his predecessor.

The president’s remarks came as he continues holding campaign-style rallies and public events across the country following the 2024 election.

Video from the rally circulated online, showing Trump addressing the issue while speaking to the crowd.

The exchange added another moment of political back-and-forth involving two presidents who have frequently criticized each other in public statements and speeches.

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