MSNBC’s Response to 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Called ‘One of the Worst Cable News Moments’ Ever

MSNBC found itself in hot water Tuesday night after an ill-advised reaction to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.

During the speech, Trump honored DJ Daniel—a 13-year-old cancer survivor—by making him an honorary Secret Service agent. It was a touching moment, yet MSNBC host Nicole Wallace managed to turn it into a controversy.

Rather than simply recognizing Daniel’s courage and wishing him well, Wallace used the occasion to make a political point, prompting CNN contributor Scott Jennings to call it “one of the worst cable news moments I’ve ever seen.”

Initially, Wallace acknowledged feeling “joy” over Daniel’s recognition, saying she hoped he would “be alive for another 95 years.” However, she quickly pivoted to a controversial statement, invoking the events of January 6, 2021, in a way that many found completely inappropriate.

“I hope he has a long life as a law enforcement officer. But I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters, and if he does, I hope he isn’t one of the six who loses his life to suicide,” Wallace remarked to her panel, a comment that came across as insensitive, outrageous, and out of touch.

Even for MSNBC, this was a new low.

The Backlash

The connection between January 6 and a young cancer survivor being honored by the president baffled many.

Daniel was diagnosed in 2018 with terminal cancer of the brain and spine, given only five months to live. Despite that grim prognosis, he continued fighting, demonstrating extraordinary resilience. To be recognized at the highest level in the nation’s Capitol was a profound moment.

“I’m gonna keep on going until my gas tank runs out. And that’s when God calls you home,” Daniel said. Wallace’s remarks failed to respect the significance of the moment.

Commentator Brick Suit was among those who condemned her comments, calling them “so far outside the bounds of what is acceptable” and demanding that MSNBC issue “an on-air apology.”

Gunter Eagleman echoed the sentiment, calling it “the most repulsive thing I’ve heard uttered from someone’s mouth.”

MSNBC’s Ongoing Struggles

Whatever Wallace intended to convey, her point was lost in the backlash.

With MSNBC already facing turmoil—coming off the firing of former host Joy Reid and widespread layoffs—this latest controversy only adds to the network’s troubles.

It should go without saying that no news organization should be discussing children with cancer in the same breath as political turmoil.

If anyone needed further proof that Trump Derangement Syndrome is real, Wallace’s inability to set aside her talking points—even for a moment—provides it.

By continuing to employ figures like her, MSNBC is ensuring that its credibility remains in question.