Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a 13-year-old from Houston battling brain cancer, recently captured the nation’s attention after being honored with an honorary Secret Service agent badge by President Donald Trump. The young cancer survivor has defied the odds and continues to inspire many with his resilience, faith, and determination.

During a speech to Congress on March 4, President Trump recognized DJ’s battle with high-grade anaplastic ependymoma, a type of thyroid tumor. The moment was met with applause and standing ovations. “The doctors gave him five months at most to live,” Trump said. “That was more than six years ago.”

The following day, DJ had the opportunity to visit President Trump in the Oval Office. The White House shared on Instagram that DJ gave the President a big hug.

“I am very thankful that Donald Trump invited us down here, and I was not expecting a lot of people to be over there,” DJ shared in an interview with Fox News Digital.

DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, explained that his son’s battle with cancer has been long and challenging. Since his diagnosis in 2018, DJ has undergone 13 brain surgeries, each of which has altered his personality. “I have to keep learning his personality,” Theodis said. “So, what you see is what you get until we have another surgery.”

Despite his struggles, DJ has remained dedicated to his dream of becoming a police officer, inspired by the kindness of officers he has met throughout his journey. Over the years, he has been honored with 908 honorary badges from agencies across the country, surpassing his initial goal of 100. “Well, once I reach 1,000, I’m just going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out. That’s when God calls you home,” DJ said.

His story has touched many, including radio host Eric Woodhouse, who first learned about DJ while working with a police station near Saranac Lake, New York, where the police chief swore him in. “Devarjaye is truly a remarkable young man who we could all learn a thing or two from. He’s looking at a less-than-ideal diagnosis in the face and not stopping,” Woodhouse said.

DJ has also shown unwavering support for President Trump and had strong words for the former president’s critics. In an interview on Steve Bannon’s War Room, DJ stated, “Please stop being mean to President Trump because if I see you being mean to him, I’m coming after you.” He added, “If you’re a Democrat and you’re being mean to President Trump — I’m on your bumper.”

During his speech, Trump acknowledged DJ’s determination and unwavering faith. “[DJ] has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But in 2018, DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer. Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true.”

While many in the House chamber responded warmly to DJ’s recognition, MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow criticized Trump for highlighting DJ’s battle with cancer, calling it “disgusting.” The remark sparked outrage from Theodis Daniel, who defended Trump’s acknowledgment of his son’s journey. “She needs to shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say,” Theodis stated. “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 and his father had front-row seats for Trump’s speech, and Theodis noted that the White House had reached out to arrange the meeting, with FBI agents escorting them from the airport.
Throughout his journey, DJ has continued to advocate for others, particularly those in need. He has expressed a desire to help the homeless. “You [can] take them, get them clean, and get them back to where they can work,” he said.

Theodis Daniel has instilled in his son a belief that life is not about comfort but about overcoming challenges. “When you go through things and you overcome them, it builds integrity and it builds character. You become a better version of yourself,” he said proudly.

Despite his ongoing battle, DJ remains hopeful and determined. “You got to stay supremely positive and stay prayed up and just do nice things for people and you’ll make it through, we promise you,” Theodis Daniel said. DJ’s story serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of dreams, reminding the world that even in the face of adversity, one can continue to inspire and uplift others.