Karoline Leavitt blasted MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace for her controversial remarks connecting a teenage cancer survivor to the January 6 Capitol riot. The uproar began after Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on Tuesday, where he honored 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel—who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018—by appointing him an honorary Secret Service agent. Leavitt sharply criticized Wallace for making a seemingly inappropriate link between the young cancer survivor and the violent events of the Capitol riot.
The president’s heartfelt gesture quickly turned controversial after Nicolle Wallace, 53, made a series of remarks that cast a shadow over the positive intent behind it.
Wallace initially wished for 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a cancer survivor, to live a long, fulfilling life. However, she soon veered into a troubling territory by linking the young boy’s future aspirations to the tragic events of January 6. She remarked, “He wants to be a cop; he knows what he wants to do, and perhaps having childhood cancer clarifies that for him.” Then, in a stunning turn, she added, “As a law enforcement officer, I wish him a long life, but I hope he never has to defend the U.S. Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters. If he does, I hope he isn’t among the six who take their own lives.”
Wallace continued, expressing a grim hope that Daniel would never “testify against those who committed acts of seditious conspiracy” and then witness Donald Trump granting them pardons.
The White House Press Secretary swiftly condemned Wallace’s comments, calling them offensive and inappropriate, especially considering the context of honoring a young cancer survivor. The backlash on social media was swift, as many criticized the tone and direction of her statements.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, didn’t hold back when she condemned MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace for her controversial comments. Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt accused Democratic politicians and mainstream media figures of allowing their “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to overshadow any ability to celebrate America.
Leavitt specifically took aim at Wallace, calling her remarks about 13-year-old cancer survivor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel “disgusting” after the MSNBC host shockingly linked the terminally ill teen to the tragic events of the January 6 Capitol riot. Wallace had been discussing the President’s gesture of appointing DJ as an honorary Secret Service agent, but instead of focusing on the positive recognition, she introduced a dark narrative by mentioning suicide and weaving the Capitol riot into the discussion.
Leavitt blasted Wallace’s decision to criticize the President by dragging a young cancer patient into the conversation, saying that mainstream media continues to misunderstand and misrepresent the situation. Her response drew widespread attention, as many saw it as a stark reminder of how the media often twists narratives for political gain.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, didn’t stop her criticism at MSNBC—she also took aim at CNN for labeling President Trump’s speech as “divisive” during its national coverage. “President Trump did not cause division,” Leavitt asserted, citing a post-speech poll showing that 69 percent of viewers responded positively to the President’s address. Leavitt argued that this poll result directly contradicted the narrative pushed by CNN and Democratic leaders, calling out their efforts to undermine the President’s message despite the public’s favorable reception.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, further strengthened her argument by presenting a printed copy of a CBS News/YouGov survey that revealed 76 percent of Americans approved of President Trump’s speech. Leavitt claimed the President provided her with the poll results, using this data to counter the negative narrative pushed by media outlets like CNN and MSNBC.
Meanwhile, Nicolle Wallace returned to the air on Wednesday, but she chose not to address the mounting calls for her dismissal. Despite facing heavy backlash for her controversial remarks about 13-year-old cancer survivor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, Wallace remained unapologetic and continued to criticize President Trump in her segment. She wasn’t alone in her disapproval. Fellow MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, 51, called Trump’s tribute to Daniel “disgusting,” while “Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough described the speech as filled with “so much nonsense.”
Daniel, who is fighting an incurable and rare form of brain and spine cancer, had already undergone 13 surgeries by the age of 12. The 13-year-old was appointed as an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service by President Trump on March 4, with encouragement from his father. Trump praised Daniel’s aspirations to become a police officer, even as he battles his illness, which had left doctors telling him he likely had only five months to live when diagnosed in 2018.
The public reaction to Wallace’s comments was swift and harsh. Many viewers took to social media, calling for her dismissal from MSNBC. One user wrote, “Nicolle Wallace should be dismissed by @MSNBC!!!!” Another described her as “a twisted and hateful demon.” Numerous others, particularly from the right, echoed this sentiment, expressing outrage over her remarks.
“Leave the children out of it!” one commenter pleaded. Many were especially appalled by Wallace’s mention of suicide in relation to a cancer-stricken teen. Others were stunned by her choice to involve a young boy in the narrative surrounding the Capitol riot.
Despite the uproar, neither Wallace nor MSNBC have issued a statement addressing her remarks. The absence of a response only fueled the anger, with viewers continuing to demand accountability.
As for Daniel, his story has become a powerful symbol of resilience. Despite the overwhelming challenges he faces, including his rare cancer diagnosis, Daniel continues to pursue his dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. His courage, and the heartfelt tribute from President Trump, were met with admiration, even as media figures like Wallace attempted to overshadow the positive moment.