Oh, buckle up, folks, because this one’s a doozy. Picture this: a 13-year-old boy, a brain cancer survivor, standing in the middle of one of the most high-profile political events of the year, receiving an honorary Secret Service award from the President of the United States. It’s the kind of moment that transcends politics, right? A chance for everyone—regardless of party affiliation—to rise to their feet, applaud, and celebrate a young fighter’s resilience.
Simple and clear.
DJ Daniel gives the only life advice we will ever need.And he showed us all we need to know.
Gratitude, love, embrace.Long live DJ Daniel. pic.twitter.com/dVG1395eKE
— Seth Champi (Unsupervised) (@Cyber_Trailer) March 5, 2025
But nope. Most Democrats stayed firmly planted in their seats, arms crossed, lips pursed, refusing to stand or clap. And let me tell you, social media was not having it.
Ric Grenell, a former Trump official, fired off a scathing post on X, calling out the Democrats for what many saw as a heartless display of partisanship. Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, echoed the sentiment, asking, “How awful can one party be?” And conservative influencer Libs of TikTok didn’t hold back either, calling it “truly sick” that so many on the left refused to show even a basic level of human decency toward a child.
Then there was Miranda Devine of the New York Post, who pointed out the sheer absurdity of the moment—not just that Democrats wouldn’t stand for a young cancer survivor, but that they also wouldn’t stand for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Democrat-turned-independent who’s pushing for better health policies in America. At this point, it’s almost like Democrats are contractually obligated to oppose anything that even remotely aligns with Trump, even if it means snubbing a sick kid.
But while the outrage was swift and loud, some saw the moment for what it was—a touching tribute. Meghan McCain, whose father, the late Sen. John McCain, died of brain cancer, admitted that it brought her to tears. She thanked Trump for the gesture, emphasizing how deeply personal and meaningful it was for families who’ve battled the disease.
Of course, not everyone was moved. Liberal commentator Kyle Kulinski dismissed it outright, accusing Trump of using the child as a “prop.” Because, naturally, the only possible explanation for showing kindness and recognition to a cancer survivor is political exploitation, right?
I’m calling on @MSNBC to terminate Nicole Wallace right now…. disgusting for her to say if Lil 13 year old DJ Daniels has to protect the Capitol that he doesn’t commit suicide
OUTRAGEOUS
This boy is fighting for his life.
FIRE NICOLE WALLACE
pic.twitter.com/RZ73sabvKt pic.twitter.com/gvzlBZ65ZG
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) March 5, 2025
And if the Democrats’ silent protest wasn’t enough, some of them straight-up walked out of Trump’s speech. Rep. Al Green had to be removed by the Sergeant of Arms. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Jasmine Crockett weren’t even subtle about their exit. It was just another example of how deep the political divide has gotten—where even a moment of bipartisan goodwill gets caught in the crossfire.
Al Green got kicked out for his behavior and y’all calling it racist then sitting in silence when 13 year old DJ Daniels is applauded for his 6 year battle with brain cancer. 🤯🤦🏻♀️😡 pic.twitter.com/MgOpSJtWvi
— 🍊🇺🇸🍊 (@MamaBAC13) March 6, 2025
Here’s the takeaway: when given the chance to rise above politics and simply honor a child who beat cancer, many Democrats chose to sit. That speaks volumes.
