President Donald Trump has unleashed a scathing rebuke against media personalities Nicole Wallace and Rachel Maddow for their comments following his tribute to cancer survivor DJ Daniel during his joint address to Congress. A moment that should have united Americans but instead became another flashpoint in America’s polarized media landscape. What prompted Trump to call for the resignation of MSNBC hosts?
Media Attacks on Cancer Survivor Draw Presidential Ire
President Donald Trump has condemned MSNBC anchors Nicole Wallace and Rachel Maddow for their controversial comments regarding 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel after his joint address to Congress. The heartwarming moment when Trump made Daniel an honorary Secret Service agent during the address has been overshadowed by the subsequent media commentary that Trump characterized as shameful and deserving of resignation.
Trump specifically targeted Wallace, who expressed hope that Daniel “doesn’t commit suicide” if he enters law enforcement, referring to the January 6 events. The president also criticized Maddow, who called Trump’s honoring of Daniel “disgusting” and suggested that Trump was making a spectacle out of praising a young man who has thus far survived pediatric cancer as if the president had something to do with that.
🚨 WTF? An MSNBC host just said she hopes 13 year old cancer patient DJ Daniel doesn’t K*LL HIMSELF from having to deal with Trump supporters
These people are GENUINELY sick in the head.
Beyond disgusting. pic.twitter.com/9bndb2pdFy
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 5, 2025
Democrats’ Conduct During Address Faces Criticism
During the address to Congress, Democrats were notably seated while Republicans gave standing ovations for DJ Daniel, creating a visual divide in the chamber. “I thought it was very embarrassing for the Democrats what happened the other night, and that’s not said for any other reason other than it’s obvious; it’s fact,” Trump stated, adding that “Even CNN fake news said that.”
The incident was further complicated when Rep. Al Green (D-TX) broke congressional decorum during the address, resulting in his removal by the Sergeant-at-Arms. This action, combined with the seated Democrats during Daniel’s recognition, has become emblematic of what Trump described as “very embarrassing behavior” by Democratic lawmakers.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT DJ DANIEL 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jnIIEKldP2
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 5, 2025
Trump Calls for Media Accountability
In his criticism of MSNBC, which he referred to as “MSDNC,” Trump suggested that both Wallace and Maddow should resign over their comments about Daniel. The president expressed disbelief at the anchors’ reported salaries, suggesting that despite their high compensation, they have lost all credibility with the American public.
Trump’s response highlights the continuing tension between his administration and mainstream media outlets, with the president frequently accusing networks like MSNBC of bias and declining viewership. The DJ Daniel incident has become the latest example of what Trump supporters view as evidence of media hostility toward the president, even when covering what should be non-partisan moments of human compassion and inspiration.