During his address to Congress, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old in the audience who had been diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. At the time, doctors gave him just five months to live.
DJ, dressed in a Houston police uniform, attended the speech alongside his father in the House of Representatives gallery. Trump shared that DJ had always dreamed of becoming a police officer.
“Police departments love him. And tonight, DJ, we’re going to give you the greatest honour of all,” Trump announced. “I’m asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially appoint you as an agent of the United States Secret Service.”
DJ’s eyes widened in shock, and his father lifted him in celebration. Curran presented DJ with what looked like a Secret Service credential, which the boy held high for everyone to see before giving Curran a heartfelt hug.
However, the heartfelt moment took a divisive turn when Democrats in attendance stayed seated, refusing to applaud as Republicans stood and cheered in support. Their silence left many observers stunned and frustrated.
Democrats Behavior Disgraceful
“The Democrats’ behaviour last night was disgraceful,” said White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt the following morning. “It showed just how disconnected they are from the American people. It was one of the lowest moments in the history of presidential addresses in that chamber.”
Even some Democrats expressed frustration with their party. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) criticized their reaction on social media, calling it “a sad display of pettiness.” He added, “This only made Trump appear more composed and presidential. Ignoring moments like this isn’t a winning strategy.”
Dan Turrentine, a longtime Democrat and co-host of the Morning Meeting on the 2Way platform, also voiced his disappointment. “It was embarrassing to be a Democrat last night,” he said. “Refusing to show compassion for a child and his remarkable journey was shameful. Moments like this make me worry that our party is losing touch with everyday Americans.”
He continued, “Our leaders need to get it together. Hopefully, this is rock bottom, and we can work our way back.”
MSNBC Facing Major Backlash
Meanwhile, MSNBC hosts Nicolle Wallace and Rachel Maddow faced backlash for their harsh comments about the moment. Maddow accused Trump of exploiting DJ’s fight against cancer for political gain, saying, “The president turned this into a spectacle, as though he had any role in the boy’s recovery.”
Wallace added her spin, bizarrely tying DJ’s dream of becoming a police officer to the January 6 Capitol riots. “I hope he lives a long, fulfilling life as a law enforcement officer,” she said. “But I also hope he never has to face a situation like January 6, defending the Capitol against Trump supporters.”
Their comments sparked outrage online, with many accusing the hosts of being insensitive. Critics demanded both be fired, calling their remarks inappropriate and out of line.
DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, didn’t hold back when responding to their criticism. “They need to stop talking if they don’t have anything kind to say,” he told the New York Post. “The White House reached out to us and said President Trump wanted to meet Devarjaye. They flew us out, and FBI agents picked us up at the airport.”
He went on to describe their experience. “We sat next to Mr. Elon Musk, and the First Lady was right in front of us. She was sweet and down-to-earth. Mr. Elon even shook our hands.”
Theodis was particularly upset by the Democrats’ reactions during the speech. “When Al Green stood up and caused that disruption, I was disgusted,” he said. “What kind of example is that?”
Despite the negativity, DJ’s family remains optimistic. “Devarjaye has defied all odds,” his aunt Jane shared. “He’s got such a strong spirit. I believe God is guiding him and bringing the right people into his life to help him on this journey.”
