An appalling, cruel rumor has been circulating on social media about DJ Daniel, the 14-year-old cancer survivor who was honored by President Donald Trump one year ago at his Joint Session of Congress address.
A photo going viral of DJ, along with a message claiming he recently passed away, is FALSE. The young boy is still very much alive, and his family is distraught and furious over the rumors.
DJ, from Houston, Texas, has been battling brain and spinal cancer since he was about 6 years old, and was given five months to live when he was first diagnosed in 2018. Since then, he has reportedly undergone 13 brain surgeries, and his cheerful wit has inspired people across the nation.
For years, DJ’s dream has been to be a police officer, so police departments around the country have embraced him with honorary swearing-in ceremonies. According to a report by FOX26, the young boy has been sworn into over 1,300 law enforcement agencies so far.
The most memorable moment came last year, when President Trump had a Secret Service agent make DJ an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service. Notably, the Democrats refused to stand or applaud the boy – despite that they claim to support minorities.
In a Facebook post on Friday, DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, posted a statement voicing his disgust over the false rumor that his son has died. He wrote:
Just wanted to say something to everyone in regards to the lies currently circulating about DJ Passing away. This is false and so cruel to be picking on and bullying a 14 year old literally fighting for his life every second on each day as many take for granted.
I hope you enjoy all the likes and being monetized from these lies all the while we are dealing with a real situation which is Terminal Brain and Spine Cancer with on set of seizures.
The post you have put has caused irreparable emotional and mental damage online and people at home. it ruined a lot people’s day, people literally calling us crying and in mass panic.
You are a cruel and sick group of folks. GOD has a special place for people like you.
I’m asking President Trump and lawmakers across this Great Nation to come together and put measures in place to hold these type of folks accountable and make laws that protect children, if not adults, from things like this from social media and putting harmful lies can and may change someone impacted from these type of lies and fake news now become the Victims and their lives and families’ lives are seriously impacted in a hamful manner.
Let’s get back to common decency, common respect and common sense.
Kindest and warmest Regards,
Theodis
Below is the incredible moment when DJ was made an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service on March 4, 2025:
President Trump: “Tonight, DJ, we’re 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 State Secret Service.” pic.twitter.com/LcTssvyJRk
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 5, 2025
This week, the Secret Service again recognized DJ.
“As we reflect on last year’s Address to Congress, where we had the honor of recognizing honorary Secret Service Special Agent DJ Daniel, we look ahead with confidence to another safe and successful #SOTU26. Congratulations DJ on completing your first year on the job, and thank you for the dedication and enthusiasm you continue to bring to the role. Thank you @POTUS for the introduction,” the Secret Service wrote.
As we reflect on last year’s Address to Congress, where we had the honor of recognizing honorary Secret Service Special Agent DJ Daniel, we look ahead with confidence to another safe and successful #SOTU26. Congratulations DJ on completing your first year on the job, and thank… pic.twitter.com/XBeRLIgN8J
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) February 24, 2026
The Kemah, Texas police department posted a notice on their Facebook page on Wednesday, informing the public that the rumor about DJ Daniel is indeed FAKE.
“Just sharing with all of you that our Honorary Kemah Police Officer DJ Daniel is alive and well. Please do not pay attention to these fake news post!” the police department pleaded.
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