
Democrats refuse to clap for agent DJ with brain cancer during Trump’s joint address:
During President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress Democrat lawmakers refused to stand or clap for a young child battling brain cancer.
As Trump shared the inspiring story of 13-year-old DJ, a brain cancer survivor who was being made an honorary member of the Secret Service, applause erupted throughout the chamber—except from the Democratic side.
While Republicans stood and applauded the child, many Democratic lawmakers remained seated, silent, and visibly unmoved by the moment.
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
DJ, who has dreamed of becoming a police officer, was diagnosed with brain cancer six years ago and given just five months to live.
Defying the odds, he has continued to fight, and 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, where users quickly called out Democratic 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 Democratic 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?
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 5, 2025
He’s a 13 year old boy with brain cancer who just wanted to become a police officer.
Do they have NO HEART?!?
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 and Representatives Maxine Waters and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 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.
Democrats REFUSE to stand and clap for a little kid fighting brain cancer: pic.twitter.com/0RdZfqDpTX
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) March 5, 2025
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, while others see the refusal to applaud as yet another example of the deepening partisan divide in the country.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.