HEARTBREAK AT THE WHITE HOUSE: Boy Sworn In By Secret Service Amid Applause From Trump Now Faces Three New Tumors

WASHINGTON D.C. — In a gut-wrenching turn of events, Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, the 13-year-old boy once cheered by a joint session of Congress and sworn in as an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent by personal commendation of President Donald Trump, has been diagnosed with three new tumors—a cruel and chilling escalation in his relentless battle against brain cancer.

The White House made the heartbreaking announcement on Friday, sharing that DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, revealed the devastating update.

“We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors,” the official White House account posted on X.
“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.”

DJ first captured the heart of the nation in March, when President Trump invited him to stand before Congress—his tiny frame dwarfed by the towering power of Capitol Hill, yet undaunted. The moment he received his Secret Service badge from Director Sean Curran and Trump saluted him as “one of America’s finest” became an emotional flashpoint, bringing even the most stoic lawmakers to tears.

From Terminal Diagnosis to National Hero

DJ’s story began with a devastating terminal diagnosis in 2018. Doctors gave him less than five months to live. Seven years later, he has survived multiple invasive brain surgeries, endured brutal treatments, and still found the strength to inspire an entire country—one police badge at a time.

His dream? To become a police officer.

His mission? To be sworn in by 1,000 law enforcement agencies—a goal he has now shattered, having been honored by over 1,351 agencies across America, including the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Park Police, and countless state and local departments.

But the battle has now entered its darkest chapter yet.

“Just winging it day by day,” his father told FOX 7 Austin, voice heavy with fatigue and love. “He does have three new tumors. It’s rough. There isn’t a class that can teach you how to deal with it. You’re hearing that your child has a nasty disease.”

‘Agent DJ’: A Symbol of Hope in Uniform

In uniform, DJ looks every bit the hero. Smiling with Secret Service K-9 units, hugging officers twice his size, high-fiving agents like a seasoned pro. A photo of him embracing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum—himself a cancer survivor—after being sworn in as an honorary U.S. Park Police officer, made headlines and inspired millions.

But behind the uniform is a child carrying a weight few adults could bear.

“We’re just going around showing people, ‘Hey, you do care for one another,’” Theodis said. “Let’s give compassion, and let’s try to join and help each other get through things.”

Unshaken Spirit in the Face of the Unthinkable

There are no words powerful enough to describe the agony of this journey. No statistics, no headlines, no awards that can undo the cruel twist of fate. Yet in the face of this darkness, DJ Daniel continues to shine—a beacon of courage, resilience, and impossible hope.

As one deputy put it after watching Theodis lift his son into his arms:

“I felt that unconditional love, and I just knew I had to find DJ. So, it all worked out.”

For now, the world watches—some with tears, others in prayer—as DJ faces a battle far greater than any badge can honor.

He may only be 13.

But Agent DJ Daniel remains—unquestionably—one of America’s greatest heroes.