Karoline Leavitt Slams MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace Over Controversial Comments Linking Teen Cancer Survivor to January 6 Riot

In a fiery clash that has ignited outrage across social media, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticized MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace for her remarks tying a 13-year-old cancer survivor to the January 6 Capitol riot. The controversy erupted after President Donald Trump, during his Tuesday night address to Congress on March 4, 2025, honored Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel—a teenager diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018—by appointing him an honorary Secret Service agent. What was meant to be a heartwarming moment quickly turned sour as Wallace’s comments drew widespread condemnation.

A Touching Moment Marred by Controversy

During his speech, Trump highlighted DJ’s inspiring story, noting that the young Texan had undergone 13 surgeries by age 12 to combat a rare, incurable form of brain and spinal cancer. Despite being given just months to live in 2018, DJ has defied the odds and pursued his dream of becoming a police officer. As part of this journey, he and his family have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about his condition, with DJ being sworn in as an honorary member of numerous law enforcement agencies. The pinnacle came when Secret Service Director Sean Curran presented him with an honorary badge, a moment met with cheers from Republicans in the House gallery chanting “DJ!”

However, the celebratory mood was overshadowed when Nicolle Wallace, 53, took to MSNBC’s airwaves and cast a dark shadow over the gesture. “I hope he lives another 95 years and lives the life he wants to live,” Wallace began, acknowledging DJ’s aspirations. But she quickly pivoted to a grim reference to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, adding, “I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters, and if he does, I hope he isn’t one of the six who loses his life to suicide.” She further expressed hope that DJ wouldn’t have to “testify against those who carried out acts of seditious conspiracy and then live to see Donald Trump pardon those people.”

Leavitt Fires Back: “Disgusting” and Divisive

The remarks sparked immediate backlash, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, addressing the issue head-on during a Wednesday press briefing. “The mainstream media still doesn’t get it,” Leavitt declared. “Last night, MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace disgustingly looped a 13-year-old boy with brain cancer into an attack on the president over January 6.” She accused Wallace and other media figures of letting “Trump Derangement Syndrome” cloud their ability to celebrate a unifying American moment.

Leavitt didn’t stop there. She also took aim at CNN for labeling Trump’s speech “divisive,” countering with polling data to bolster her argument. Holding up a CBS News/YouGov survey—handed to her by the president—she pointed out that 76% of Americans approved of Trump’s address, while 69% of CNN viewers reportedly reacted positively. “President Trump isn’t divisive. The Democrats are the ones dividing—and CNN’s own viewers proved them wrong,” she asserted.

Wallace Faces Mounting Criticism

Wallace returned to the airwaves on Wednesday but sidestepped the growing calls for her dismissal. Instead, she doubled down on her criticism of Trump, ignoring the fierce backlash her earlier comments had provoked. She wasn’t alone in her critique of the president’s speech—MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, 51, called Trump’s honoring of DJ “disgusting,” accusing him of exploiting the teen’s survival for political gain. Meanwhile, “Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough dismissed the address as “utterly meaningless.”

Social media erupted in response, with viewers demanding accountability. “Fire Nicolle Wallace from MSNBC!!!” one user wrote, while another labeled her “a vile and hateful demon.” Others called her remarks “the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard,” urging the network to take action. The outrage, largely from right-leaning voices, underscored the deep divide in how the moment was perceived.

DJ Daniel’s Resilience Shines Through

At the heart of the controversy is DJ Daniel, whose courage continues to inspire. Diagnosed with brain cancer at age six, he has endured years of grueling treatments while chasing his dream of serving in law enforcement. His father, Theodis Daniel, a retired Navy veteran, stood proudly by his side as he received the Secret Service honor. The family’s mission to have DJ sworn into as many agencies as possible reflects their determination to turn a personal struggle into a public cause.

As the debate rages on, DJ’s story remains a powerful reminder of resilience—and a stark contrast to the political firestorm it has unwittingly sparked. Whether Wallace’s comments will lead to further repercussions at MSNBC remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the teen’s moment in the spotlight has left an indelible mark.