OAN Staff Abril Elfi
12:28 AM – Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, the 13-year-old boy battling terminal brain cancer who was previously sworn in as an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent by President Donald Trump, has now been named honorary deputy mayor for public safety in New York City.
Since his 2018 diagnosis with just five months to live, his journey and resilience have inspired Americans throughout the nation.
However, tragic news struck in May, when Daniel’s father shared that the Texas teen now has three new brain tumors. Despite having outlived a terminal prognosis from 2018 that gave him just months to live, this new diagnosis marks another serious challenge.
On Tuesday, Eric Adams (D-N.Y.) announced that Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry would be “stepping aside” from his public safety leadership role. Daughtry noted that he would be stepping down “just for a small bit” — as Daniel would be taking his place temporarily.
“I will be stepping down just for a small bit today, and DJ Daniel will be taking my place as the honorary deputy mayor for public safety,” Daughtry announced.
Before Daniel’s swearing-in, Adams highlighted that the 13-year-old holds a Guinness World Record for being sworn into the most law enforcement agencies in the nation—over 1,350 to date, including his appointment earlier this year as New York City’s police commissioner.
During the president’s address to a joint session of Congress on March 4th, DJ was honored by President Trump, being sworn in as an honorary protector.
Since then, Daniel has been recognized by law enforcement organizations across the nation, thanks to the support of his father, Theodis, who declared his candidacy for Texas’ 18th congressional district earlier this month.
“When it comes to choosing people to serve in the critical role, we are looking for courage, commitment, and experience. And you see all these stars, the silver, the diamonds. He has the experience that we need. He’s battle-tested. He’s a battle-tested leader with a strong record of public service, and we are proud to swear him in,” Adams said.
Adams also stated that Daniel would be visiting the Empire State Building and other tourist attractions in the Big Apple.
During the ceremony, the New York City mayor presented Daniel with a custom “Deputy Mayor DJ” uniform, symbolizing his new role, before formally honoring him with an official proclamation recognizing his courage and service to communities nationwide.
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