MSNBC host Nicole Wallace faced backlash after commenting on President Trump’s recognition of DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor, during his address to Congress. Trump praised DJ’s “quest” to become a police officer and made him an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent, earning applause from Republicans while most Democrats remained seated.

Wallace acknowledged the boy’s inspiring story, saying, “I let myself feel joy about DJ… I hope he’s alive for another, you know, 95 years.” However, she controversially added, “I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters… and I hope he isn’t one of the six who loses his life to suicide.”

Her remarks quickly sparked criticism online, with many accusing her of politicizing the boy’s moment.

Earlier, co-host Rachel Maddow claimed Trump was making a “spectacle” of DJ’s recovery, suggesting the president tied the story to funding cuts affecting pediatric cancer research. However, Trump never took credit for DJ’s survival, instead highlighting the boy’s positivity and dream to become a police officer.

Trump’s tribute celebrated DJ’s resilience, calling him “a young man who truly loves our police” and surprising him with the honorary agent title, drawing emotional applause from the crowd.