In an inspiring moment that should have been celebrated by all Americans, 13-year-old cancer survivor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel was honored by President Trump during his congressional address on Tuesday. The young Texan was named an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent, a powerful moment that exemplified the bravery and resilience of a young boy who has fought a relentless battle against terminal cancer. But while this moment lifted the spirits of many, MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow chose to attack it, calling the president’s gesture “disgusting” for recognizing DJ’s courage and strength. This led DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, to voice his frustration.
Maddow’s remarks quickly drew backlash, with Theodis declaring, “She needs to shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say.” Theodis, a former Navy machinist and firefighter, didn’t mince words: “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.” Clearly, he believes that some people just don’t understand the significance of a young boy’s courage and how meaningful it is to receive such an honor from the President of the United States.
The Daniel family’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Back in September 2018, DJ was diagnosed with Stage 3 brain cancer at just six years old. Despite being given only five months to live, DJ has continued to defy the odds, battling his condition with the strength and heart of a true hero. Today, he remains in treatment, but his story is far from over.
The White House reached out to the Daniel family with an invitation to meet President Trump and witness DJ’s incredible honor. “They flew us out and FBI agents picked us up at the airport,” Theodis recalled. It was a surreal experience for the family, who found themselves seated next to high-profile figures such as Elon Musk and FBI Director Kash Patel. As President Trump took the stage, he recognized DJ for his courage and deep respect for law enforcement, calling him “a young man who truly loves our police.” This recognition was not only a tribute to DJ’s incredible spirit but also to his unwavering commitment to the values of service and community.
DJ’s road to the Secret Service wasn’t just a moment of fame—it was the culmination of a years-long journey, one that began with his dream to become a police officer. Inspired by the brave Houston Police officers who served during Hurricane Harvey, DJ set his sights on a career in law enforcement. His father, Theodis, wasn’t about to make his son wait for his dream to come true. In 2019, he arranged for DJ to be sworn in as an honorary officer with the Brookshire Police Department in Texas. Since then, DJ’s honorary swearing-in ceremonies have become a nationwide symbol of his determination to continue fighting, even when the odds are stacked against him.
While some liberal voices like Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) sought to disrupt the President’s speech with their rude behavior, DJ’s family remains focused on the positive. “Devarjaye has overcome the odds,” his aunt Jane Daniel marveled. “It’s all in who you are inside. I think God has given a tough battle to a good one. I believe that God is looking out for him and making sure that the right hands are touching him.” Indeed, the Daniel family’s strength and faith are a testament to the power of resilience and love, which no amount of political criticism can ever undermine.
As DJ continues to fight his battle with cancer, his honor as an honorary Secret Service agent stands as a shining example of the American spirit. While some may seek to tear down moments of positivity and national pride, the Daniels remain unshaken—firm in their belief that their son’s story will inspire generations to come.
