Trump Makes 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor DJ Daniel An Honorary Secret Service Agent
on Mar 05, 2025
President Trump Honors Young Brain Cancer Survivor During Address To Congress
During his recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump took a moment to honor 13-year-old DJ Daniel.
President Trump addressed Congress on Tuesday evening (March 4), 43 days after his inauguration on January 20. He spoke for approximately one hour and 40 minutes. CNN reports that he broke the record for the longest annual presidential address to Congress in modern history.
During the address, Trump spoke about Elon Musk‘s work with DOGE, tariffs, and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. He also devoted part of his address to DJ Daniel, a young brain cancer survivor.
Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. At the time, he was only given five months to live. But now, several years and 13 brain surgeries later, he’s a 13-year-old boy with big dreams.
“Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police,” Trump said during his speech in front of Congress. “His name is DJ Daniel…and 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.”
Daniel received a standing ovation from almost everyone in the room as his dad lifted him in the air, although some Democrats remained seated.
DJ Daniel Becomes An Honorary Secret Service Agent
Daniel and his dad have been on a “quest” to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. As the White House shared on its official X account, Daniel has been sworn in as an honorary officer over 900 times.
D.J. Daniel joined President Trump at the Joint Session—a 13-year-old battling cancer who has been sworn in as an honorary officer over 900 times.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 5, 2025
President Trump made his dream come true, swearing him in as a Secret Service agent. pic.twitter.com/HkVf8LlPTD
During his address to Congress, Trump surprised Daniel by announcing he was making him an honorary Secret Service agent.
“Tonight, DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all,” he said. “I am asking our new Secret Service Director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.”
Curran presented Daniel with a customized Secret Service badge. Daniel, his eyes wide in awe, wrapped his arms around Curran to hug him while the crowd cheered.
Watch a video of the emotional moment below.
