Fact Check: Dj Daniel is being used by trump

Published March 15, 2025•Updated June 18, 2025

•By

VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: "DJ Daniel is being used by Trump" ## What We Know Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a 13-year-old boy battling brain cancer, was recently honored...

Fact Check: "DJ Daniel is being used by Trump"

What We Know

Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a 13-year-old boy battling brain cancer, was recently honored by President Donald Trump during a joint address to Congress, where he was made an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service. This moment was widely shared on social media, showcasing the emotional embrace between DJ and Trump in the Oval Office shortly after the address (Fox News) [source-2]. DJ Daniel has a history of being involved with law enforcement, having been made an honorary officer by several police departments prior to this event (OncoDaily) [source-3]. His story has garnered significant public attention, especially due to his health struggles and his dream of becoming a police officer (Houston Chronicle) [source-1].

During the address, Trump highlighted DJ's journey and the support he has received from law enforcement, which resonated with many in the audience. However, the event also sparked controversy, particularly regarding the reaction of some Democratic members of Congress, who did not stand or applaud during DJ's recognition (OncoDaily) [source-3]. Critics have suggested that Trump's actions may have been politically motivated, using DJ's story to appeal to voters and draw attention to his administration's stance on childhood cancer and law enforcement (New York Post) [source-6].

Analysis

The claim that "DJ Daniel is being used by Trump" can be evaluated from multiple angles. On one hand, the honorary title granted to DJ is a significant recognition of his courage and resilience in the face of a terminal illness. Trump's acknowledgment of DJ during a high-profile event could be seen as a genuine act of compassion, particularly given the emotional weight of DJ's story and the public's reaction to it (Fox News) [source-2].

However, the context in which this honor was given raises questions about its motivations. Critics argue that Trump's decision to highlight DJ Daniel's story during a political address may serve to bolster his image and appeal to certain voter demographics, particularly those concerned with childhood cancer and law enforcement issues (OncoDaily) [source-3]. The backlash from some Democrats, who were criticized for not applauding DJ, further fueled the narrative that this moment was being politicized (New York Post) [source-6).

The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. Fox News, while a major news outlet, has been criticized for its partisan coverage, which may influence the framing of events (Fox News) [source-2]. OncoDaily provides a more analytical perspective, discussing the implications of Trump's actions and the public's response, which adds depth to the understanding of the situation (OncoDaily) [source-3]. The Houston Chronicle offers factual reporting on DJ's health and background, which is essential for context (Houston Chronicle) [source-1].

Conclusion

The claim that "DJ Daniel is being used by Trump" is Partially True. While DJ's recognition as an honorary Secret Service member is a heartfelt acknowledgment of his battle with cancer, the political context surrounding the event suggests that Trump's actions may also serve a dual purpose of enhancing his public image and rallying support among his base. Thus, while DJ's story is indeed inspirational, the circumstances of its presentation in a political setting complicate the narrative.

Sources

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:

"Coffee helps you live longer"

✓100% Free

✓No Registration

✓Instant Results