In an appalling display of hyperpartisanship, Democrats remained seated and refused to clap for a young child battling brain cancer who was honored during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.
Democrats are facing heavy backlash over their response after videos of the moment quickly spread on social media.
Trump shared the inspiring story of 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a brain cancer survivor who was being made an honorary member of the Secret Service.
The brave young boy says he dreams of becoming a police officer and was dressed in uniform while attending Trump’s speech as a special guest of the president.
As Trump shared DJ’s story, applause erupted throughout the Republican side of the chamber.
However, the Democrat side remained seated and silent.
While Republicans stood and applauded the child, Democrat lawmakers appeared visibly unmoved by the moment.
WATCH:
DJ, who has dreamed of becoming a police officer, was reportedly diagnosed with brain cancer six years ago and given just five months to live.
Trump asks Secret Service Director Sean Curran to make DJ, 13, a Secret Service agent. He was diagnosed with brain cancer six years ago. Doctors gave him five months to live at most. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/x4u79u2eYd
— Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) March 5, 2025
Defying the odds, he has continued to fight.
His bravery was recognized in a touching moment when Trump asked Secret Service Director Sean Curran to officially make DJ an honorary Secret Service agent.
This was awesome! This kid just became a secret service member. He is fighting Brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/qoBeTtsgQl
— Shawn Hendrix (@TheShawnHendrix) March 5, 2025
The emotional tribute was widely shared across social media.
However, users quickly called out Democrat lawmakers for refusing to acknowledge the child’s courage.
Social media users were quick to condemn the Democrats’ behavior, calling them “heartless” and accusing them of allowing partisanship to overshadow basic human decency.
Democrats are sitting and refusing to clap for a child with brain cancer.
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) March 5, 2025
Some referred to the lawmakers as “ghouls” and “gutter trash” for refusing to celebrate a young boy’s resilience simply because the moment was orchestrated by Trump.
This was not the only instance of questionable behavior from Democrats during the address.
Throughout Trump’s speech, many Democrat lawmakers appeared to engage in coordinated protests—some shouted, others held up signs, and the chamber often erupted into chaos as they sought to disrupt the event.
WHY DIDN’T THE DEMOCRATS STAND FOR DANIEL?
He’s a 13 year old boy with brain cancer who just wanted to become a police officer.
Do they have NO HEART?!?
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 5, 2025
Their behavior drew sharp criticism for being disrespectful, especially during moments meant to highlight the struggles and triumphs of ordinary Americans.
Democrats refuse to stand for DJ who had brain cancer and was made an honorary United States Secret Service agent. pic.twitter.com/Mkp348we48
— Kim "Katie" USA (@KimKatieUSA) March 5, 2025
While many Democratic lawmakers chose to disrupt the speech, others boycotted the event entirely.
Among those who refused to attend were Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Reps. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who have been outspoken critics of Trump.
Their absence, along with the refusal of their colleagues to acknowledge DJ, was seen by many as further proof of their unwillingness to put aside political divisions, even for a child fighting for his life.
As the controversy continues to grow, the incident has reignited discussions about the increasing hostility in American politics.
Critics argue that Democrats, in their determination to oppose Trump at every turn, have lost their sense of humanity.
Others, meanwhile, see the refusal to applaud as yet another example of the deepening partisan divide in the country.
