Karoline Leavitt Condemns MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace for Remarks Linking Teen Cancer Survivor to January 6 Riot

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly criticized MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace following comments Wallace made that connected a 13-year-old cancer survivor to the January 6 Capitol attack.

During President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday, he recognized Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel—a young boy diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018—as an honorary Secret Service agent, in a gesture that aimed to honor his strength and courage.

However, that tribute soon came under fire after Wallace, 53, made controversial remarks that drew a connection between Daniel and the Capitol riot. Wallace initially expressed a heartfelt wish for Daniel to live a long and fulfilling life, but then pivoted to a darker tone, referencing the January 6 attack.

“He wants to be in law enforcement; he knows his path,” Wallace said. “Maybe dealing with childhood cancer gave him that clarity. But I hope he never has to protect the Capitol from Trump’s supporters. And if he does, I hope he’s not one of the six who take their own lives.”

Wallace went on to suggest that the boy might one day have to testify against individuals charged with sedition, only to see them later pardoned by Trump.

Leavitt’s Response

Speaking during a press briefing the next day, Leavitt, 27, condemned Wallace’s statements as “disgusting” and accused the mainstream media of being so consumed by hatred for Trump that they were unable to celebrate a moment meant to honor a child.

Leavitt said, “Instead of recognizing a powerful moment for this young American hero, Nicolle Wallace used her platform to politicize and tarnish it with references to suicide and January 6. It’s shameful.”

She also criticized CNN, which labeled Trump’s speech “divisive,” arguing that it was the media—not the president—creating division. Leavitt cited a poll showing 69% of viewers responded positively to the address, contradicting mainstream media narratives.

She further presented a CBS News/YouGov survey indicating 76% of Americans approved of the speech, emphasizing that Trump shared those poll numbers with the press team directly.

Backlash Against Wallace

Despite the public outrage, Wallace returned to her show the following day without addressing the controversy or issuing an apology. Her continued criticism of Trump drew additional condemnation from viewers and political commentators.

She wasn’t alone in her reaction. Fellow MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough also criticized Trump’s tribute, calling it “disgusting” and “filled with nonsense,” respectively.

The backlash against Wallace intensified online. Viewers called for her to be fired, describing her comments as “vile” and “inexcusable.” One person wrote, “This is the most horrific thing I’ve ever heard. Children should never be dragged into politics.”

About DJ Daniel

Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel has been battling a rare and terminal form of brain and spinal cancer since 2018. By age 12, he had already undergone 13 surgeries. His goal has been to be sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as possible to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

During Trump’s speech, DJ received his honorary Secret Service badge from Director Sean Curran as House Republicans chanted his nickname, “DJ.” In an emotional moment, his father lifted him high while the room applauded.

“Becoming a police officer has always been his dream,” Trump said during the tribute.