Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor from Texas, was made an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent during President Donald Trump’s congressional address on Tuesday.
The moment was met with admiration across the country, but not without criticism from MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, who called Trump “disgusting” for highlighting DJ’s battle with cancer.
Rachel Maddow is an evil witch.
She mocked DJ Daniel, the 13-year-old who has been fighting for his life, just because Trump made him an honorary USSS Agent.
MSNBC needs to issue corrective action immediately! pic.twitter.com/C4wPOE8GGG
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 5, 2025
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“She needs to shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say,” Theodis told The Post.
“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.”
DJ’s story has inspired many, and his recognition by President Trump marked another milestone in his long-standing connection with law enforcement.
The honor was made official when Secret Service Director Sean Curran swore him in as an honorary agent.
Last year, young DJ Daniel was harassed and made fun of by a group of people because of his police outfit.
Last night, he was honored by the president of the United States and became an honorary Secret Service agent. pic.twitter.com/jgdk9xfi68
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 5, 2025
Theodis Daniel described how his son was invited to the event.
“The White House reached out to us and said that President Trump wants to meet Devarjaye,” he said. “They flew us out and FBI agents picked us up at the airport.”
Before Trump’s speech, DJ had the opportunity to meet border security advisor Tom Homan and was escorted to a prime seat in the audience.
“We sat next to Mr. Elon [Musk], the first lady was in front of us, and [FBI Director] Kash Patel was at my son’s right shoulder,” Theodis recalled.
“The first lady was nice, sweet, down to earth. Mr. Elon shook hands with us.”
Trump called DJ “a young man who truly loves our police” and recognized his dedication to law enforcement.
DJ’s induction into the Secret Service was his 909th swearing-in as an honorary officer.
His aunt, Jane Daniel, was not surprised.
“I thought it was awesome for my nephew. He deserves it,” she said.
“I think that such an honor will help him to reach his goals. If you can accomplish this, you can accomplish anything.”
DJ was diagnosed with Stage 3 brain cancer in September 2018 at just six years old.
His family had recently moved from San Antonio to Houston, and his mother, Demitra Johnson, described the terrifying moment she realized something was wrong.
“His body stiffened and suddenly he was foaming at the mouth,” she said. “We rushed him to the hospital.”
A CAT scan revealed a tumor “the size of a lemon,” Theodis said. Doctors gave DJ just five months to live, but six years later, he continues to fight.
Despite his terminal diagnosis, his treatments are ongoing.
“Each surgery has changed DJ’s personality a little bit,” his mother said, though she remains hopeful.
“I feel like he’s been born 13 times. He’s so strong and has a heart of gold.”
13-year-old DJ Daniel: “I had 13 brain surgeries and that’s how many times my personality has changed.”
“That’s something that you don’t hear from a terminally ill child.”
“I’m gonna keep on going into my gas tank runs out. And that’s when God calls you home. You never know… pic.twitter.com/aAipcIrxaq
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 5, 2025
DJ’s love for law enforcement began early.
Inspired by Houston police officers’ response to Hurricane Harvey, he wanted to become a police officer.
In 2019, at just six years old, he was sworn in as an honorary officer with the Brookshire, Texas, police department.
“Two years later, I called the Texas state troopers to see if they would come out for Devarjaye’s ninth birthday, and we had a swarm of police officers,” Theodis said.
“The officers swore him in, and it grew from there. Suddenly, everyone wanted to have him in.”
His dedication was honored on Tuesday when Trump declared, “We’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.”
“He takes a lot of pride in being made a police officer,” Theodis said. “The other officers bring him camaraderie and confidence.”
While the night was a memorable one for DJ and his family, Theodis was disappointed by the behavior of some Democratic lawmakers.
“When [Rep.] Al Green [D-Texas] stood up and made that ruckus, I was disgusted,” he said. “What kind of message is he sending?”
Despite the criticism, DJ’s family remains focused on positivity. “Devarjaye has overcome the odds,” his aunt Jane said.
“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.”
NEW: Absolutely HILARIOUS interview with DJ Daniel LMAO (Must watch)
“Donald Trump is the best President in the United States of America! Please stop being mean to President Trump, if I see you being mean to him I’m coming after you. If you’re a Democrat and you’re being… pic.twitter.com/rzBMkHYdtX
— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) March 5, 2025
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