After Donald Trump honored 13-year-old DJ Daniels, who has brain cancer, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace faced backlash for bringing up “suicide” in connection to the boy. DJ, diagnosed in 2018, dreams of becoming a police officer. During Trump’s speech, he was made an honorary Secret Service agent, earning applause.
Wallace acknowledged DJ’s moment but controversially referenced the Capitol riots, saying she hoped he would never have to defend against Trump’s supporters or be among those who “lose their life to suicide.” Rachel Maddow also criticized Trump for using DJ as a “prop.”
Their comments sparked outrage online, with many calling for Wallace’s firing, accusing her of politicizing DJ’s illness. Some defended MSNBC, arguing Trump had already politicized the moment.
