Theodis Daniel, father of 13-year-old honorary Special Agent DJ Daniel, told the White House on Friday that his son is now battling three new tumors after first being diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
DJ gained national attention after President Donald Trump honored him during a joint session of Congress in March, when he was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service agent. In a post on X, the White House said Theodis updated the administration on his son’s condition.
“We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors,” the White House posted. “DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men—and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country. Agent Daniel, you’re a true legend.”
Diagnosed in 2018 with brain and spinal cancer, DJ Daniel has undergone more than 13 brain surgeries and joined a research study that has given his family “hope,” according to a Secret Service press release.
After visiting over 900 law enforcement agencies — nearly all of which named him an honorary officer — Daniel attended Congress on March 4 as Trump’s honorary guest.
During his address, Trump praised the teen for defying the odds after being told he had fewer than five months to live.
“Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true. And DJ has been sworn in as an honorary law enforcement officer actually a number of times. The police love him. The police departments love him,” Trump said.
“And tonight, DJ, we are 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 Secret Service,” Trump added.
After Trump announced DJ Daniel’s new honorary Secret Service title, Republicans stood and cheered for the teen and his father, while Democrats remained seated. Daniel later told reporters the honor came as a surprise.
“It left us speechless. I can tell you we weren’t expecting that. We didn’t even know what was going on. Actually, they kept a secret from us,” Theodis Daniel said, according to FOX26.
While attending the White House the day after Trump’s joint address to Congress, Daniel was seen speaking with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins and told her how billionaire Elon Musk said he would deliver a Cybertruck to his family after the teen asked.
Following through on his promise, photos and videos circulated online in April showing Daniel smiling next to a Cybertruck.
Daniel’s admiration for the men and women in uniform comes from watching his military father interact with them, deciding at just 9 years old that he wanted a career in law enforcement, according to FOX26.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screen Capture/PBS)
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