Trump makes 13-year-old cancer survivor an honorary Secret Service agent
What's the story
In a heartwarming moment during his address to Congress, President Donald Trump honored 13-year-old Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel by naming him an honorary Secret Service agent. DJ, a brain cancer survivor from Texas who was once given just five months to live in 2018, attended the event wearing a Houston police uniform with his father. "He has always dreamed of becoming a police officer," Trump explained during his speech.
Honorary memberships
DJ's journey and recognition by law enforcement agencies
Trump lauded DJ's determination and revealed that he has been made an honorary member of several law enforcement agencies across the country. "Police departments love him," Trump said, before announcing the special honor. He then added, "Tonight, DJ, 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 Secret Service."
Twitter Post
He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and was just made an honorary U.S. Secret Service Agent. Heartwarming. The fact that the whole room wasn’t on their feet… pic.twitter.com/B1avYQJ9UW
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 5, 2025
Badge presentation
DJ's emotional response and gratitude to President Trump
Following Trump's announcement, Secret Service Director Curran presented DJ with a badge, making him an honorary member of the Secret Service. Overwhelmed with emotion, DJ waved his new badge with pride as chants of "D-J!" filled the chamber. In a video message shared by the White House later, DJ expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: "I had 13 brain surgeries, and every time my personality has changed."
Additional announcements
DJ has had 13 brain surgeries
DJ's father in December said his son has had 13 brain surgeries with advanced stages of cataracts. "He was a study for a medicine that was approved through FDA. He's been sworn in with over 905 law enforcement agencies, local, state, federal, and international, including firefighters and prosecutor offices. He's a graduate of FBINA session 284 from the FBI Academy and has been on the cover of Blue magazine." He was also sworn in as an honorary Jasper police officer.