Karoline Leavitt’s intense response to veteran MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace has sparked a frenzy among fans, but once the context was disclosed, no one questioned her reaction.
Leavitt criticized Nicolle Wallace for comments that linked a teenage cancer survivor to the January 6 Capitol riot. During a speech before Congress, Donald Trump honored 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, by naming him an honorary Secret Service agent.
Wallace, 53, twisted this kind gesture into a negative narrative, making a series of inappropriate remarks that quickly drew backlash against the president’s actions. She began by expressing her hope that DJ would live a long life, saying, “I hope he lives the life he wants to live and that he lives for another 95 years.” However, she then shifted to the Capitol riot, suggesting that having childhood cancer might clarify one’s ambitions, adding, “I hope he lives a long life as a law enforcement officer, but I hope he never has to defend the U.S. Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters, and if he does, I hope he isn’t one of the six who lose his life to suicide.”
Wallace also expressed concern that DJ might have to “testify against the people who carried out acts of seditious conspiracy and then live to see Donald Trump pardon those people” during her segment.
The White House Press Secretary was quick to condemn Wallace’s hateful remarks online. Leavitt, 27, asserted that Democratic politicians and mainstream media were allowing their “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to overshadow their ability to celebrate America during her press briefing on Wednesday.
Leavitt criticized Wallace for “disgustingly” involving a 13-year-old boy with brain cancer in an attack on the president regarding January 6. She also took aim at CNN, which labeled the president’s speech as “divisive,” stating, “President Trump did not cause division.” A post-speech poll indicated that 69 percent of viewers reacted positively to the president’s address, contradicting CNN’s narrative.
Afterward, she showcased a CBS News/YouGov survey revealing that 76 percent of Americans approved of the speech, which she claimed the president had provided her.
Wallace returned to the air on Wednesday but did not address the growing calls for her dismissal. Unfazed by the backlash, she continued to criticize President Trump during her segment. She was not alone in her disapproval; fellow MSNBC host Rachel Maddow described Trump’s honoring of Daniel as “disgusting,” while Joe Scarborough of “Morning Joe” labeled the speech as filled with “so much nonsense.”
Despite the backlash, Wallace remained unrepentant, stating, “For the record, and this is disgusting, the president made a spectacle out of praising a young man who has so far survived pediatric cancer, as if the president had something to do with that.”
Viewers expressed outrage, with many calling for Wallace’s termination. Comments included, “Nicolle Wallace is fired by @MSNBC!!!!” and “Nicolle Wallace is one twisted and hateful demon.” Others echoed the sentiment, demanding her removal for her comments about the 13-year-old cancer patient.
DJ, who is battling an incurable rare brain and spine cancer, had undergone 13 surgeries by the age of 12. As he and his family work to raise awareness about his condition, he is striving to be sworn into as many law enforcement agencies as possible. Initially diagnosed in 2018, he was given a prognosis of only five months to live, but he has defied the odds for over six years.
During the heartwarming moment when he received his badge from Director Sean Curran, DJ was lifted by his father as Republicans in the House gallery chanted his nickname, “DJ.” Trump remarked, “Being a police officer has always been his dream,” highlighting the significance of the honor bestowed upon him.
With approximately 15,000 children diagnosed with childhood cancer in the U.S. each year, the disease remains rare. Although pediatric cancer cases have risen recently, advancements in treatment have led to a decrease in fatality rates. Trump emphasized the need to keep children healthy and strong by removing toxins from the environment and food supply.
