In an emotional moment during his speech to Congress, President Donald Trump honored 13-year-old DJ Daniels, a boy battling brain cancer, by making him an honorary Secret Service agent.
DJ Daniels has always dreamed of becoming a law enforcement officer. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, doctors initially gave him just five months to live. Now, more than six years later, DJ continues to defy the odds.
During his speech, Trump shared DJ’s inspiring journey:
"He has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But in 2018, DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer. The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago. Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true."
To help fulfill that dream, Trump announced that DJ would be officially sworn in as a Secret Service agent. The touching moment saw DJ, held up by his father, receive his badge from Secret Service Director Sean Curran. As the crowd watched, House Republicans chanted “DJ” in support.
Trump makes 13-year-old DJ Daniel's dream come true in address to Congress
While many in the room celebrated the young boy’s courage, the moment also highlighted political tensions. As Trump transitioned to discussing his health policies, Democrats largely remained silent. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) held up a whiteboard reading, “You cut cancer research,” signaling her criticism of Trump’s policies.
Despite this, the focus remained on DJ’s resilience. By the age of 12, he had undergone 13 surgeries while battling a rare, incurable brain and spine cancer. He and his family have since dedicated themselves to raising awareness about his condition, seeking to have him sworn into as many law enforcement agencies as possible.
Trump used this moment to highlight his administration’s commitment to childhood health issues. He emphasized the importance of reducing childhood cancer rates and increasing research into autism. He also pledged that his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would prioritize removing toxins from food and the environment.
“Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply, and keep our children healthy and strong,” Trump stated.
Pediatric cancer remains rare in the U.S., with about 15,000 children diagnosed annually. While cases have risen in recent years, advancements in treatment have led to a decline in fatalities.
DJ’s recognition on a national stage was a powerful tribute to his strength and determination. His journey continues to inspire many, bringing attention to the challenges of pediatric cancer and the need for further research and support.
Trump’s gesture of making DJ an honorary Secret Service agent will remain a lasting symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of dreams—even in the face of adversity.
