Greg Gutfeld’s Emotional Tribute to DJ Daniel Brings Audience to Tears: “You’ve Taught Us the True Meaning of Courage!”

On an unforgettable Wednesday evening, the set of Gutfeld! on Fox News was filled not only with laughter but also heartfelt tears of pride. Greg Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and humorous style, dedicated a segment of his show to honor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a 13-year-old boy battling brain and spinal cancer, who has captured America’s heart with his dream of becoming an honorary police officer. DJ’s story, shared by Gutfeld with rare sincerity, left both the studio audience and millions watching at home profoundly moved.

An Unexpected Moment on Gutfeld!

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The night began with Gutfeld’s usual sharp political satire. Yet suddenly, as the spotlight softened, Gutfeld’s tone shifted to one of warmth and solemnity.

“Tonight, folks, I want to talk about a real hero—not a politician, not a Hollywood star, but a 13-year-old boy doing something truly extraordinary,” Gutfeld began, as the screen behind him lit up with an image of DJ Daniel, proudly wearing his honorary police uniform, smiling brightly despite his grave illness.

Gutfeld recounted DJ’s remarkable journey, starting from his devastating diagnosis of grade III anaplastic ependymoma—a rare form of brain and spinal cancer—in 2018, when doctors gave him just five months to live. “Doctors told him he couldn’t, but DJ responded, ‘Yes, I can,’” Gutfeld shared, his voice full of emotion. After 13 surgeries and over six years of relentless fighting, DJ not only survived but also set out to become an honorary officer at 1,000 law enforcement agencies to raise awareness for childhood cancer. As of March 2025, he’s already earned more than 905 honorary commissions, spanning from Birmingham, Alabama to Italy.

The audience fell silent as Gutfeld described DJ’s crowning moment on March 4, 2025, when President Donald Trump honored him before Congress, appointing him an honorary special agent of the U.S. Secret Service. “This kid stood before the nation, battling three new brain tumors, and smiled as if nothing could hold him back,” Gutfeld paused briefly, regaining composure. “If that isn’t bravery, I don’t know what is.”

Gutfeld’s Personal Connection to DJ

DJ Daniel, father say honor during President Trump's speech was a surprise  | FOX 26 Houston

What made this segment special was how Gutfeld personally connected DJ’s story to his viewers. He shared how he first heard about DJ during Steve Doocy’s interview on Fox & Friends.

“I remember thinking, ‘Who is this kid making even Steve Doocy tear up?’” Gutfeld joked, drawing laughter from the audience. Then, turning serious, he added: “DJ reminded me life isn’t about Twitter arguments or headlines. It’s about people like him—people who turn pain into purpose.”

Gutfeld also revealed a lesser-known fact: DJ was bullied for proudly wearing his honorary police uniform. “Some people mocked him, calling him a ‘fake,’” Gutfeld said with a touch of anger. “But DJ just shrugged it off. He said, ‘I don’t care what they think. I’m here to make a difference.’ That’s a lesson for all of us.”

To further illuminate DJ’s spirit, Gutfeld aired a pre-recorded message from DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel. With pride sparkling in his eyes, Theodis shared: “DJ is my light. Every sworn-in ceremony is another step my son takes to show the world cancer won’t win.” After the video, Gutfeld turned to the camera: “If you aren’t moved by that, you may need to check your heart.”

A Heartwarming Surprise from Gutfeld

The emotional peak came when Gutfeld unveiled a surprise: his show had collaborated with the New York Police Department (NYPD) to organize a special honorary swearing-in ceremony for DJ in Manhattan next week.

“We want DJ to know that New York has his back,” Gutfeld declared, prompting the audience to stand and applaud. He urged viewers to send messages of support to DJ on social media using the hashtag #DJDaniel1000, helping him reach his goal of 1,000 honorary appointments. “Let’s do this for DJ, and for all the kids fighting cancer,” Gutfeld urged passionately.

Before closing, Gutfeld quoted DJ from a previous FOX 26 Houston interview: “If you have cancer, don’t give up. Pray, believe in God, and keep negativity out of your mind.” Looking directly into the camera, Gutfeld concluded, “DJ, you’re the real host tonight. Thank you for teaching us the meaning of courage.”

Trump calls for 13-year-old DJ Daniel's dream of being a police officer to  come true

A Ripple Effect of Inspiration

This powerful segment quickly spread across social media, with #DJDaniel1000 trending on X (formerly Twitter), as thousands of viewers shared heartfelt messages and personal stories about cancer. One user wrote: “Greg Gutfeld had me crying over a boy I’ve never met. DJ Daniel is the true superhero!” Another posted: “Thank you, Gutfeld!, for telling DJ’s story. This is exactly why I watch your show.”

Colleagues at Fox News also voiced their admiration. Kat Timpf, who recently battled breast cancer herself, tweeted: “DJ Daniel is proof that bravery knows no age. Greg, thank you for doing this.” Jesse Watters, Gutfeld’s co-host on The Five, added: “Gutfeld just showed us a whole new side. DJ Daniel, you’re an inspiration!”

Legacy of a Moment

Gutfeld’s tribute to DJ Daniel wasn’t just another TV segment—it was a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for compassion and resilience. DJ Daniel, with his police dreams and unwavering courage, touched Greg Gutfeld and audiences worldwide.

“This boy isn’t just fighting cancer,” Gutfeld ended emotionally. “He’s fighting for all of us—to live better, love deeper, and never give up.”

As the studio lights dimmed and the audience departed, there was a newfound understanding: even in the darkest days, a 13-year-old boy could light up the world. Through Greg Gutfeld’s heartfelt storytelling, DJ Daniel became more than just an honorary officer—he became a beacon of hope, a timeless symbol reminding us that true courage is a flame that never fades.