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A heartwarming moment at President Trump’s Congressional address turned controversial when 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel was honored with an honorary position in the US Secret Service. The emotional ceremony, which took place during Tuesday night’s joint session, saw DJ sharing an embrace with Secret Service Director Sean Curran following the announcement.
However, the celebratory atmosphere was dampened by Democratic representatives who remained seated during the recognition of DJ’s courage in his battle against brain cancer. The response from mainstream media figures proved equally contentious.
I had no idea who DJ Daniels was until that beautiful moment last night. He was harassed and mocked by others but honored by President Trump.
Shout out to the White House Team for making him a national icon.
pic.twitter.com/Tl4YKKl0hz— George (@BehizyTweets) March 5, 2025
MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace attempted to connect the moment to January 6th, expressing concern about DJ’s potential future duties: “I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters… And if he does, I hope he isn’t one of the six who loses his life to suicide.”
Fellow MSNBC host Rachel Maddow also criticized the president’s acknowledgment of DJ during the speech, describing it as “disgusting.”
These comments drew sharp criticism from DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, who responded forcefully to Maddow’s remarks. “She needs to shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say,” he told The Post, adding, “This lady didn’t even serve time in the military. I was on the USS Kitty Hawk. She does not need to put her bad energy on us.”
Instant Legend. I would use an expletive before legend to emphasize this fact. And what is said after is spot on. This young man (DJ Daniel) has been through hell and does not latch on to the victim ideology but instead stands out. We are so back. pic.twitter.com/M43E8GiVur
— Truth wins; ignore the noise (@MKinneyWA) March 6, 2025
Theodis, who accompanied his son to the White House the following day, also expressed disappointment with Democratic lawmakers’ behavior during the speech. He specifically called out Texas Representative Al Green’s disruption, stating, “When Al Green stood up and made that ruckus, I was disgusted. What kind of message is he sending?”
The recognition of DJ’s courage continued beyond the Congressional address, as he and his father received an invitation to the White House on Wednesday, where they met with President Trump and Republican leadership.
