On March 5, 2025, President Donald Trump recognized D.J. Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor, during his joint address to Congress. The president honored Daniel’s dream of becoming a police officer by swearing him in as an honorary Secret Service agent, marking a significant moment for the young boy who has battled brain cancer for over six years.
- President Trump honored cancer survivor D.J. Daniel
- D.J. dreams of becoming a police officer
- MSNBC hosts criticized Trump's recognition moment
- Democrats showed mixed reactions to the speech
- Wallace linked Daniel's story to January 6th
- Trump's address included strong Republican support
D.J. Daniel is known for his resilience after surviving multiple surgeries and being given only five months to live at the time of his diagnosis in 2018. Since then, he has become an honorary police officer over 900 times and continues to inspire many with his determination to pursue a career in law enforcement.
During the event, President Trump stated that Daniel’s journey has been remarkable and emphasized how much he admires the young boy’s aspirations. The recognition received applause from Republican members present but was met with criticism from some Democratic commentators on MSNBC.
- D.J. was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018.
- He underwent 13 surgeries over six years.
- The president swore him in as an honorary member of the Secret Service.
Critics like Rachel Maddow described Trump’s recognition of Daniel as “disgusting,” suggesting it trivialized the child’s struggle with cancer for political gain. Nicolle Wallace echoed similar sentiments while connecting the moment to broader political issues surrounding Trump’s presidency and its impact on public perception.
This event highlights both the personal triumphs of young individuals like D.J. Daniel and the polarized reactions such moments can evoke within political discourse. As he continues to pursue his dreams against all odds, D.J.’s story serves as a reminder of resilience amidst adversity.
