During President Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress, two Democratic representatives, Ro Khanna from California and Laura Gillen from New York, stood out for their willingness to support a young boy battling cancer. Their actions contrasted sharply with many of their party colleagues, who remained seated during the heartfelt moment.
The boy, DJ Daniel, is a 13-year-old from Houston, Texas, who is bravely fighting brain cancer. During the address, Trump honored DJ by naming him an honorary member of the Secret Service, fulfilling his dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. DJ has already been sworn in to over 900 police departments worldwide, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
As the President recognized DJ, the response from the Democratic side of the chamber was notably muted. While Republicans stood up, applauded, and cheered for the young cancer fighter, many Democrats chose to stay seated. This prompted Khanna to share a conversation he had with a flight attendant named Jim Barrett at Chicago Airport. Barrett expressed his embarrassment over the party’s behavior, saying it made them look heartless. He emphasized that regardless of political differences, they should have stood up for the boy.
Khanna acknowledged that he and a few others did stand and clap for DJ. He believes the party should embody kindness and decency, especially in moments that call for unity. Gillen echoed these sentiments, stating on News12 Long Island that she was disappointed by her colleagues’ lack of support for DJ. She emphasized the importance of celebrating the young boy’s courage and aspirations, despite the political tensions surrounding them.
While it remains unclear if any other Democrats joined in the applause for DJ, the overwhelming support from Republicans was evident. Despite the mixed reactions in Congress, DJ had a memorable experience visiting Trump in the Oval Office the following day, where he received a warm welcome and hugs from the President.
This incident highlights a divide within the Democratic Party, as Khanna and Gillen’s willingness to support DJ stands in stark contrast to the actions of many of their colleagues. It serves as a reminder that, even amid political differences, moments of compassion and support for those in need should take precedence.