Speaker Mike Johnson Rejects Request for Rev. Jesse Jackson to Lie in Honor at Capitol

Speaker Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana, has declined a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, as confirmed by two sources familiar with the situation.

The request came from Jackson’s family following his passing on Tuesday at the age of 84. This information was first reported by a major news outlet.

Traditionally, the honor of lying in state or honor is reserved for the nation’s most distinguished figures.

A source within GOP leadership indicated that Johnson's decision was influenced by historical precedent, which typically limits this honor to former presidents, military leaders, and high-ranking government officials.

Notably, recent requests for former Vice President Dick Cheney and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk to receive similar honors were also denied.

However, a select few private citizens have been granted this honor in the rotunda, including civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005 and Capitol Police officers who lost their lives during the 1998 shooting and the January 6 attack. The Rev. Billy Graham was honored in 2018.

The last individual to lie in state was former President Jimmy Carter, who was honored from January 7-9, 2025.

For someone to lie in state or honor, both the House speaker and Senate majority leader must approve the request, followed by a concurrent resolution passed by both chambers.

Jackson rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement, actively participating in demonstrations alongside Martin Luther King Jr. He made two unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

His legacy continues through his sons; former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who served from 1995 to 2012 and is currently campaigning for Congress again, and current Rep. Jonathan Jackson.

Johnson's decision has drawn sharp criticism from Black leaders.

“Mike Johnson will defend a president who seeks to unlawfully nationalize elections but won’t allow a civil rights legend to lie in honor. This speaks volumes about his disregard for our Constitution and democracy,” stated NAACP President Derrick Johnson.

“Rev. Jesse Jackson inspired all Americans to Keep Hope Alive and dream of a nation where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. This message is more relevant now than ever,” he added.