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MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow and Nicolle Wallace faced intense criticism for their controversial response to a heartwarming moment during President Trump’s congressional address, where he honored 13-year-old cancer survivor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel with an honorary Secret Service badge.

During his speech, Trump recognized DJ’s courageous battle against brain cancer, a fight that doctors initially predicted would claim his life within months. The young boy, dressed in a police uniform, proudly displayed his new law enforcement badge to the assembled audience.

However, the touching moment quickly became a target for political commentary on MSNBC. Maddow took issue with Trump’s recognition of DJ’s survival story, characterizing it as “disgusting” and criticizing the president for, in her words, “making a spectacle out of praising a young man who’s thus far survived pediatric cancer – as if the president had something to do with that.”

Wallace’s commentary took an even more controversial turn when she attempted to connect DJ’s law enforcement aspirations to the January 6 Capitol riots. While initially expressing joy at DJ’s moment, she proceeded to speculate about his future as a law enforcement officer, raising concerns about potential scenarios involving Trump supporters and referencing officer suicides following the Capitol riot.

The hosts’ remarks sparked immediate outrage on social media. Users on X (formerly Twitter) condemned their approach, with one writing, “MSNBC just used DJ Daniel to attack President Trump. THESE PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TWISTED.”

Another user expressed their disapproval of Maddow’s commentary, posting, “Rachel Maddow is foul. She couldn’t leave the poor boy out of politics. What a great night for DJ Daniel! Pathetic Maddow needs to get over TDS!”

Critics particularly targeted Wallace’s comments, with one user demanding her termination: “MSNBC actually politicized DJ Daniel’s moment at the Joint Address tonight. DJ Daniel was diagnosed with a brain tumor and this hack Nicolle Wallace is talking about suicide and J6? She needs to be fired.”