Who is DJ Daniel? 13-year-old cancer survivor appointed as US Secret Service agent by Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday granted 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel the rare honor of being named a United States Secret Service agent, making him the youngest-ever to hold the title. The announcement came during Trump’s address to Congress, where he directed Secret Service Director Sean Curran to officially appoint Daniel in an honorary capacity.

Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and given just five months to live. Despite his prognosis, he has spent the past six years visiting law enforcement agencies across the country, earning honorary recognition from multiple police departments that have embraced him as one of their own. His lifelong dream has been to serve in law enforcement, a wish Trump fulfilled in front of the nation.
Curran handed Daniel his badge as the chamber erupted in applause. The young boy, visibly moved, hugged Curran, while Trump praised his resilience.
“This young man is ECSTATIC to be here,” Trump remarked, as lawmakers and attendees gave a standing ovation. More than a dozen Democrats joined Republicans in cheering for DJ, and his father lifted him up as the crowd chanted his name.
Trump announced that DJ would be sworn in by the new Secret Service director, making his role official in an honorary capacity. The president also acknowledged another young honoree, high school senior Jason Hartley, confirming his acceptance into the US Military Academy at West Point.
The atmosphere in the chamber shifted when Trump moved on to health policy. While many Republicans cheered, some Democrats remained silent. Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a whiteboard that read, “You cut cancer research,” while a Republican shouted, “MAHA baby!”