US President Donald Trump on Tuesday appointed 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel as a US Secret Service agent, making him the youngest-ever to hold the title.
During his address to Congress, Trump directed Secret Service Director Sean Curran to grant DJ the credentials, fulfilling the boy’s lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. DJ, who has been battling a rare form of cancer for years, hugged Curran after receiving the honor, visibly overjoyed.
“This young man is ECSTATIC to be here,” Trump remarked, as lawmakers and attendees applauded.
More than a dozen Democrats joined Republicans in a standing ovation for DJ. His father lifted him up as Republicans and others in the audience chanted his name. Trump further announced that DJ would be sworn in by the new Secret Service director and presented with a badge by Curran.
The atmosphere shifted as Trump moved on to health policy, with Democrats remaining silent. Rep Rashida Tlaib held up a whiteboard that read, “You cut cancer research,” while a Republican shouted, “MAHA baby!”