Barack Obama appeared to take a subtle swipe at Donald Trump while delivering a eulogy at Jesse Jackson’s funeral on Friday (March 6).
Jackson, who was mentored by Martin Luther King Jr and later ran twice for US president, died last month at the age of 84.
A central figure in civil rights activism for decades following Luther King’s assassination, Jackson was remembered through a wave of tributes highlighting his influence and long public service.
His funeral was held on Friday at Chicago’s House of Hope church, drawing major political figures including Obama, Joe Biden, and the Clintons.
During his remarks, Obama referenced the state of the country and criticized “those in high office,” prompting attendees to chant “four more years” in support of the former president.
“No, see, I believe in the Constitution,” Obama immediately responded to all the cheers.
In an extended eulogy reflecting on Jackson’s life and the impact of his work, Obama also used the moment to contrast that legacy with what he suggested is the current political climate under Trump.
“Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible,” he said. “Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don’t even count at all.”
The former president continued: “Everywhere we see greed and bigotry being celebrated, and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength. We see science and expertise denigrated, while ignorance and dishonesty and cruelty and corruption are reaping untold rewards.”
Trump has repeatedly suggested he could pursue a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms in office.
Last month, during his State of the Union address, the president referenced the idea of serving beyond a second term.
“So in my first year of the second term – should be my third term – but strange things happen,” Trump said, seemingly referencing his loss to Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
However, he appeared to dismiss the prospect of another run when asked by CNBC in August last year whether he would contest a future presidential election.
“No, probably not, probably not. I’d like to … I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had,” he said.
The president added: “You know why. Because people love the tariffs, and they love the trade deals, and they love that countries – they love that foreign countries aren’t ripping us off. For years, they ripped us. A friend, and foe and a friend. And the friends were worse.”