Democrats Criticized for Reaction to President Trump’s Honor of Young Cancer Fighter
During President Donald Trump’s recent joint address to Congress, a moment meant to honor a young cancer fighter, DJ Daniel, sparked sharp criticism from within the Democratic Party. While Republicans in the House chamber stood and applauded for the 13-year-old boy battling brain cancer, many Democrats remained seated, a decision that drew backlash from some of their own members. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Laura Gillen (D-NY) were among the few Democrats who stood up and clapped for DJ, expressing their disappointment with the broader party’s response.
A Flight Attendant’s Powerful Message to Rep. Khanna
Rep. Khanna shared a poignant anecdote on social media, recounting a conversation he had with a flight attendant at Chicago Airport. The attendant, who identified as a Democrat, approached Khanna and expressed his frustration with the party’s behavior during the address. He said, “Sir, I am a Democrat, but the way the party behaved was embarrassing. Made us look heartless. I don’t care who is up there, you stand for the boy with cancer. Be more rational & get your act together.” Khanna agreed, stating that he and a few others did stand and clap, emphasizing the need for kindness and unity.
DJ Daniel’s Inspiring Story and the dividing reaction
DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old from Houston, Texas, has captured the hearts of many with his resilience and determination. Despite battling brain cancer, he has been sworn in by over 900 police departments worldwide and aspires to become a law enforcement officer. During Trump’s address, the president honored DJ and even named him a member of the Secret Service, a gesture meant to celebrate his courage and spirit. While the moment was deeply moving, it exposed a stark divide in the chamber. Republicans rose to their feet, cheering and applauding DJ’s name, while most Democrats remained seated, refusing to acknowledge the moment.
Rep. Laura Gillen Calls Out Her Colleagues’ Disrespect
Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) was another Democrat who stood up for DJ Daniel, but she was dismayed to find herself nearly alone in doing so. Speaking to News12 Long Island, she expressed her disappointment with her colleagues’ actions. “Quite frankly, there were moments where I feel like anger at some of the actions that have happened over the past month-and-a-half prevented some of my colleagues from being able to stand up to support little DJ Daniel,” Gillen said. She emphasized that DJ’s story transcended politics and deserved respect, adding that she was “disappointed that I was not joined by any of my colleagues.”
A Heartwarming Visit to the Oval Office
Despite the mixed reaction in Congress, DJ Daniel’s visit to the White House the following day was a heartwarming reminder of unity and hope. He met with President Trump in the Oval Office, continuing to inspire those around him with his determination and spirit. The visit served as a stark contrast to the divisive moment in the House chamber, highlighting the importance of putting aside political differences to support those in need.
A Call for Kindness and Bipartisanship
The controversy over DJ Daniel’s honor has reignited conversations about the need for empathy and bipartisanship in politics. While most Democrats did not stand or clap for the young cancer fighter, the actions of Reps. Khanna and Gillen remind us that kindness and decency should transcend party lines. As the flight attendant’s message to Khanna underscored, moments like these are not about politics but about showing compassion and unity. The hope is that this incident will serve as a turning point, encouraging lawmakers to find common ground and lead with humanity.