Staff Reports
President Trump called out Democrats for refusing to stand and applaud during his recognition of a 13-year-old cancer survivor at last week’s congressional address. While meeting with Ireland’s prime minister, Trump doubled down, accusing Democrats of showing “sickness” in their cold-hearted response to a brave child’s struggle. The controversy has exposed a growing divide over basic decency in politics.
Republicans erupted in cheers as young DJ Daniel, a brain cancer survivor, was named an honorary Secret Service agent during Trump’s speech. Video showed Democrats remaining stoic in their seats, refusing to clap even as the boy hugged the Secret Service director. GOP lawmakers called the snub “disgusting” and “heartbreaking,” arguing it revealed Democrats’ contempt for everyday Americans.
Trump didn’t hold back during his St. Patrick’s Day meeting with Irish leader Micheál Martin. He blasted Democrats as “sick” for failing to show compassion, linking their behavior to broader policy failures. “They couldn’t even stand for a child battling cancer,” Trump said, shaking his head. The moment highlighted how radicalism has overtaken the left’s priorities.
GOP leaders piled on the criticism. Senator Josh Hawley called the silent protest “extraordinary,” while Congressman Mike Lawler accused Democrats of “depraved inhumanity.” Even Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, broke ranks to mock his party’s “unhinged petulance” on social media. The backlash spread online, with conservatives slamming the left’s hatred for Trump overshadowing basic human decency.
Democrats offered weak excuses. Senator Peter Welch tried deflecting by accusing Trump of cutting cancer research funding – a claim fact-checkers quickly debunked. Others like Rep. Debbie Dingell claimed they did clap, but video evidence contradicted this. The mixed messaging only deepened suspicions that liberal animosity toward Trump matters more than honoring American heroes.
The incident exploded across social media, with #DemocratsHateKids trending. Commentators noted the stark contrast – Democrats enthusiastically cheer open borders and foreign aid but sit stone-faced for a cancer-stricken boy. Elon Musk summarized the outrage: “They hate America.” Everyday citizens shared tearful reactions to DJ’s story, wondering how any public servant could withhold encouragement from a suffering child.
This isn’t the first time Democrats embarrassed themselves during Trump speeches. Earlier in the address, Rep. Al Green was ejected for heckling, while others waved protest signs like immature college activists. Their behavior mirrors far-left “resistance” tactics that prioritize Trump derangement over national unity.
Conservatives see a pattern – whether ignoring crime victims’ families or snubbing a sick child, Democrats increasingly side with extremists over working Americans. As Trump told the Irish leader, “These people have no clue.” The GOP’s compassionate response to DJ Daniel’s courage shows which party still values faith, family, and the dignity of every American life.
