President Trump honored Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor, in a moving moment during his address to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday, announcing that he will become an honorary member of the Secret Service.
Daniel, clad in a police officer uniform while seated in the House gallery, beamed as his father hoisted him up while Trump recognized his battle to overcome cancer.
“He has always dreamed of becoming a police officer,” the commander in chief explained during his speech. “But in 2018, DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer.”
“The doctors gave him five months at most to live,” Trump added. “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.”
Trump recounted how Daniel has been made an honorary member of other law enforcement agencies across the country and praised his fighting spirit.
“And tonight, DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all,” Trump teased before announcing the honor.
“I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.”
Chants of “D-J!” immediately erupted in the House chamber in response to the heartwarming announcement.
Curran then handed Daniel a badge, making him an honorary member of the Secret Service. Daniel proudly waved the new badge around with a stunned look on his face.
Trump then pivoted to discuss Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s mission to “get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply and keep our children healthy and strong.”
During his address, Trump lauded law enforcement and re-upped his call to impose a “mandatory death penalty for anyone who murders a police officer,” arguing that he wants cops to be able to “do their job without fear of their lives being totally destroyed.”
At another point in Trump’s wide-ranging speech, Trump announced that high school senior Jason Hartley was admitted into the US Military Academy at West Point.
Trump recounted how Hartley, the son of a deceased Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, had dreamed of getting into the prestigious military academy.
“That’s a hard one to get into,” Trump mused. “I’m pleased to inform you your application has been accepted.”
Harley was seen embracing his mother and giving a thumbs up, seemingly caught off guard by the announcement.
