The father of DJ Daniel, a courageous 13-year-old cancer survivor honored by President Trump, has publicly criticized MSNBC host Rachel Maddow after she dismissed the president’s recognition of his son. During a segment on her show, Maddow referred to Trump’s decision to spotlight DJ’s fight with cancer as “disgusting.”
“For the record — and this is disgusting — the president made a spectacle out of praising a young man who’s thus far survived pediatric cancer, as if the president had something to do with that. This was in the midst of him praising DOGE. DOGE cuts, among other things, have cut off funding for ongoing research into pediatric cancer.”
What Maddow is likely referring to is a funding bill that included almost $200 million for cancer research, ultimately rejected as it was packed alongside other initiatives and commitments.
In response, Theodis Daniel, DJ’s father, voiced his frustrations in an interview with the New York Post, telling Maddow to “shut her mouth if she has nothing nice to say.”
Theodis, who served in the military on the USS Kitty Hawk, added that Maddow’s comments were misplaced and inappropriate. He also expressed his belief that Maddow’s negative comments were unnecessary and harmful, urging her to refrain from spreading “bad energy.”
DJ, a 13-year-old from Texas, was diagnosed with spine and brain cancer when he was just six years old, and doctors initially gave him only five months to live. However, he has fought valiantly against the disease and continues to undergo treatment. Despite his health battles, DJ’s passion for law enforcement remains strong, and he has earned hundreds of honorary law enforcement titles. During Trump’s address before Congress on Tuesday, DJ was unexpectedly made an honorary Secret Service agent, a moment that left both the young boy and his family “speechless.”
The special recognition was followed by a heartfelt visit to the White House, where DJ shared an emotional hug with President Trump in the Oval Office. DJ’s father expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that the honor was a touching surprise for their family, who had no prior knowledge of it. Theodis Daniel also shared his deep appreciation for the moment, reflecting on the strength his son has shown in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. DJ’s aunt echoed these sentiments, attributing DJ’s perseverance to his inner strength and belief that God is watching over him.
The Democrats in attendance notably chose to remain seated as Trump honored the teenager, while their Republican colleagues erupted in standing ovations, raucous applause and chants of his name. In the days following the address, Republicans scolded the Democrats for their behavior, expressing incredulity that they allowed their partisan politics to prevent them from acknowledging a heartwarming moment that should transcend party lines.
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I’d rather have a sister working in a whorehouse than have a brother registered in the Democrat Party.
Rachel Maddow is a really WARPED person. I think MSNBC should be shuttered or at least her butt fired. Same goes for THE VIEW. Get rid o them all, they never have anything postive to talk about – it’s just all liberal crap.
To DJ and Theodis Daniel,
Both of you are truly heroes to millions of Americans and , especially, to your fellow Texans! You are the very people who make America great.
The hate spewed by your detractors is utterly disgusting and totally rejected by all true Americans. Thank you for being role models for us all.
Dave Denison
Lewisville, Texas USA
Heart goes out to DJ Daniel, but Maddow has a point given Trump’s lack of empathy for those in need of HEALTHCARE. He has “concepts of a plan” , but no plan, only rhetoric and lame policies, maybe some wishful thinking but nothing to bank on unless you’re in the upper classes.
RACHEL MADDOW HAS MAD COW DISEASE WE SHOULD CURE THE INSANE COW!
Maddioe and Wallace have no brain and full of hatred . See how they feel if their loved ones struck the lightning . Got it bitches
Maddow and Wallace should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Both of them should be fired immediately. Absolutely disgusting views after such an amazing act for a strong kid. They only wish they had as much guts as that kids got. He’s a fighter and deserving of what has been bestowed upon him. Again, both of them showed how truly disgusting TDS is and both should be ousted. MSNBC: Pay attention to what your people say on air. They’re despicable.
Once again proving that my nick name for that supposed person, is the most appropriate thing that should be used in recognition of “Her/It”. That name being ” Reckless Mad-Cow “.
You are free to adopt usage of the moniker.