Trump's union address: Touching tribute to a young dreamer
During Donald Trump's address, a 13-year-old boy was named a Secret Service agent. "He's always dreamed of becoming a police officer," said the President of the United States about DJ Daniel, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. At that time, doctors gave the child a maximum of five months to live.
During the annual State of the Union address, Donald Trump announced that 13-year-old DJ Daniel, who had always dreamed of becoming a police officer, was appointed as an honorary member of the Secret Service—the federal agency responsible for protecting U.S. presidents.
"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," Trump highlighted the boy's fighting spirit, briefly sharing the story of the 13-year-old who was diagnosed with a brain tumour years ago.
The President of the United States reminded everyone that DJ Daniel, sitting in a police officer's uniform in the House of Representatives, had already been sworn in as an honorary officer.
"I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service," Trump declared. "And tonight, DJ, we're going to do you the biggest honour of them all," he emphasized.
Curran handed the boy a badge, making him an honorary member of the Secret Service. The 13-year-old proudly raised it above his head. Applause erupted in Congress, and the legislators began chanting the honoured boy's name.
The move may be seen as an attempt by Donald Trump to soften his image, as he is often characterized as a ruthless politician. This might be evidenced by the rest of his statement.
During the address, Trump also focused on combating crime. He announced that he had signed an executive order mandating the death penalty for anyone who kills a police officer. He also stated he would seek Congressional approval to toughen penalties for repeat offenders.
In his speech, Trump also recounted the story of a high school senior, Jason Hartley. The son of a deceased Los Angeles County deputy sheriff dreamed of getting into a prestigious military academy. Trump surprised Jason by announcing that he had been accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and would join the corps of cadets. The President of the United States approached the astonished young man and gave him a high-five.
