What you need to know: This week, the House speaker denied Rev. Jesse Jackson the chance to lie in honor at the Capitol, reigniting questions about who America chooses to memorialize. The Supreme Court struck down the president’s sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 decision, rebuking executive power. And Trump delivered the longest State of the Union in history — complete with fact-check disputes and a protest removal — as partisan lines hardened ahead of the midterms. This week’s “State of US” feels like a referendum on legacy, power, and who controls the narrative.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Denied Access To Lay In State By House Speaker
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House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request Thursday for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, citing precedent that the honor is typically reserved for former presidents, military leaders and select government officials. Jackson’s family requested Johnson after the civil rights icon and two-time presidential candidate died at the age of 84.
Johnson’s office acknowledged receiving the family’s request but rejected it based on established precedent. NAACP National President Derrick Johnson condemned the decision, saying, “[Johnson] won’t authorize a civil rights legend to lie in honor.” Meanwhile, South Carolina leaders made plans for Jackson to lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse, where the public could pay their respects.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Capitol snub, critics argue the current administration has shown broader disregard for Jackson’s life work. Experts in African American history called out President Trump for using his Truth Social tribute to Jackson to attack critics and align himself with a legacy that stood for values his administration has actively worked to dismantle, including voting rights, civil rights legislation, and economic equity.
Critics noted that other private citizens have previously lain in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, including the Rev. Billy Graham in 2018 and civil rights leader Rosa Parks in 2005.
State Of The Union Address Shows America’s Growing Partisanship
President Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history on Feb. 24, speaking for nearly 1 hour and 48 minutes before a joint session of Congress in Washington. Trump claimed that crime in Washington, D.C., has fallen to “almost no crime” and that murders were “down close to 100%,” assertions fact-checkers said were exaggerated despite significant declines in violent crime and homicides.
Minutes into the address, Texas Rep. Al Green was escorted from the House chamber after holding a protest sign, marking the second consecutive year he was removed during a Trump address. Tensions flared further when accusations flared that he had “killed Americans” during debates over immigration enforcement. The partisan atmosphere underscored deep divisions as Trump sought to energize his base ahead of the midterms.
White House Holds Black History Month Celebration
President Donald Trump hosted a Black History Month celebration at the White House on Feb. 18, honoring the contributions of African Americans and highlighting figures in his administration during a reception in the East Room. The event came amid ongoing debate about his record on race and civil rights as he enters a re-election year.
Deep Dive: Critics note the White House celebration stands in stark contrast to recent rhetoric from Trump’s social media, where he shared and later deleted a controversial video that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates, drawing bipartisan condemnation.
Earlier in February, Trump refused to apologize for the post, dismissing the backlash and saying he did not view the segment that many found offensive. The White House’s efforts to mark Black History Month come as critics question whether his statements and actions align with the celebration’s themes of honoring Black history and achievement.
SCOTUS Rules Trump Tariffs Unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that President Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, declaring those import duties unconstitutional in a 6‑3 decision. The court held that IEEPA does not grant the president power to levy tariffs, a power the Constitution assigns to Congress. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority that the statute’s language does not authorize the executive branch to impose taxes on imports, and that Congress must clearly delegate such authority if it intends to do so.
What’s Next? Trump criticized the ruling as “deeply disappointing” and vowed to pursue other legal avenues. The same day, he announced plans to work with Congress to pursue “legislative solutions” that would give him broader authority to impose tariffs, calling the ruling a setback for American economic interests. He also suggested he might explore “targeted executive actions” within the limits of the Constitution to protect U.S. industries from foreign competition. Trump framed the decision as a challenge he intends to overcome before the 2026 elections.
Kamala Harris On Run For Presidency In 2028: ‘I Might’
Former Vice President Kamala Harris once again hinted she could run for president again in 2028, saying she hasn’t made a decision but “might” pursue another White House bid. Harris made the remarks during an interview while promoting her memoir, 107 Daystelling podcaster and author Sharon McMahon that she “hasn’t decided” on a future campaign and “might” run. Harris, who lost the 2024 election to Trump, revived her political profile by reactivating her social media accounts and engaging in public discussions about democracy and civic engagement.
Previously, Harris pushed back on suggestions that her book signaled a calculated political relaunch, saying its purpose was to share her campaign experience rather than telegraph future ambitions. Harris has also hinted previously that she is “not done” with public service and could see a path to the presidency, though she has not formally launched or filed for a 2028 campaign.