• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Trump makes 13-year-old DJ Daniel's dream come true in address to Congress

3:53
Trump calls for 13-year-old DJ Daniel's dream of being a police officer to come true
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
ByEmily Chang
March 05, 2025, 4:27 AM

President Donald Trump turned the nation's attention to Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a 13-year-old who aspired to become a police officer but was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, and made him an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service.

"Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police," Trump said after praising America's law enforcement officers.

13-year-old cancer survivor Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel is lifted up by his father Theodis Daniel after President Donald Trump made him an honorary member of the US Secret Service at the US Capitol in Washington, Mar. 4, 2025.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

“The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago," the president continued. "Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true.”

“And 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.”

DJ has been sworn in as an honorary law enforcement officer at police agencies around the country.

DJ reacted with a face of pure shock before his father hoisted him for the crowd to see. DJ proudly raised his new certificate and was met with claps, chants, and cheers.

President Donald Trump delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress, in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Mar. 4, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters

In a rare moment that a Democrat expressed support for the president's remarks, Rep. Laura Gillen, D-N.Y., rose from her seat and applauded for DJ.

Following this heartwarming moment, Trump proceeded to discuss childhood cancer rates, calling upon newly minted Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply and keep our children healthy and strong."

Up Next in News—

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 22, 2026

UK bill banning smoking products for those born after 2008 is one step away from becoming law

April 22, 2026

Pilot killed in Florida plane crash hailed as hero

April 21, 2026

Athlete drowns during Ironman Texas triathlon

April 20, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News