Fetterman Breaks Ranks, Criticizes Democrats for Response to Cancer Survivor at Trump’s Address
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has publicly criticized his Democratic colleagues for what he perceived as a lack of enthusiasm during President Donald Trump’s recognition of 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel at the recent joint session of Congress. Fetterman’s remarks have ignited a debate about political decorum, the appropriateness of resisting moments of unity, and the perceived need to acknowledge accomplishments regardless of partisan affiliation.
Fetterman expressed his disappointment in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I don’t know why we can’t fully celebrate," he said. "I mean, I have a 13-year-old myself, and thank God she’s never had cancer, but I think that’s something we can all celebrate there. And I think it was a touching moment. And, like I said, that’s part of the best of the American experience."
Fox News Digital reported reaching out to 30 Democratic lawmakers for comment on their decision not to stand for DJ, receiving only six responses. This lack of widespread response has amplified the criticism and raised questions about the motivations behind the Democrats’ actions.
The controversy quickly spread on social media, with many users expressing outrage at the Democrats’ apparent lack of support for DJ. The sentiment was summarized by one popular tweet, which labeled the inaction as the work of "truly sick people."
Fetterman further addressed the issue in a post on X, arguing that the Democrats’ behavior "only makes Trump look more presidential and restrained." His statement suggested that the overt display of opposition could be counterproductive, potentially bolstering Trump’s image rather than undermining it.
Some Democratic lawmakers offered explanations for their reluctance to stand for DJ, citing their deep-seated opposition to Trump as the primary reason. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) dismissed the issue, saying, "You know, that is a very individual thing. And aren’t there a lot of other things we can be focusing on, as I would think?"
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, defended the Democrats’ actions, stating, "We all stood when the president entered, which I think is appropriate. And I think, frankly, by and large showed him respect to the office." Reed’s remarks highlighted the distinction between showing respect for the office of the presidency and endorsing the individual holding that office. He suggested that the initial standing ovation upon Trump’s entrance was sufficient as a sign of respect.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) acknowledged the moving nature of DJ’s story but criticized Trump’s policies related to cancer research. "It was a moving story," Welch said, "but what Trump left out, of course, is he’s cutting research for cancer, which is pretty, pretty bad." Welch’s response underscores the complex interplay between personal moments and policy decisions, suggesting that it was difficult to fully embrace the former while disagreeing with the latter.
Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) offered a more nuanced perspective, stating, "Our hearts are with the Riley family on the loss of their daughter and inspired at Devarjaye DJ’s story. It shouldn’t be confused with the disdain we have for President Trump’s divisive and strident voice." Veasey’s statement attempted to separate the recognition of DJ’s personal story from the broader political context, emphasizing that the two should not be conflated.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) offered a more empathetic response, recounting her own emotional reaction to the moment. "I clapped and was touched – not rolling my eyes," Dingell said. "After the Secret Service gave him his [badge] and he sat back down, but then he reached back up and hugged the Secret Service chief, it made me cry. I had tears. I was wiping a freaking tear," Dingell said. Dingell’s account suggests that not all Democrats were unmoved by DJ’s story and that some were genuinely touched by the moment.
Republican lawmakers were quick to criticize their Democratic colleagues, accusing them of being "childish" for refusing to stand for DJ. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) stated, "The Democrats really embarrassed themselves. I mean, they wouldn’t even stand up for DJ, who survived cancer." Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) echoed this sentiment, saying, "I was so disappointed that my Democratic colleagues couldn’t stand and show love for some of the Americans that were recognized tonight. That was really heartbreaking to me."
Despite the mixed reactions from Democrats, chants of "DJ!" erupted in the House chamber as Trump directed Secret Service Director Sean Curran to designate the 13-year-old an honorary Secret Service agent. DJ’s father, Theodis, held DJ over his shoulders as the boy showed off his new badge to the chamber.
Trump’s remarks during the address further highlighted DJ’s story. "Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police. His name is DJ Daniel. He is 13 years old. He has always dreamed of becoming a police officer himself. But in 2018, DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer. The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago. Since that time, DJ and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true, and DJ has been sworn in as an honorary law enforcement officer," Trump said.
He concluded by saying, "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 States Secret Service."
The incident has reignited discussions about the role of partisan politics in moments that are often seen as opportunities for unity and shared values. Fetterman’s criticism, combined with the varied responses from Democratic lawmakers, underscores the complexities of navigating political divides in a highly polarized environment. The debate is likely to continue, raising important questions about how elected officials balance their political convictions with the need to recognize and celebrate shared human experiences.
