Republican lawmakers want to examine whether intense anti-trump reactions qualify as a legitimate psychological or social condition.
A new bill introduced in Congress aims to investigate Trump Derangement Syndrome, a term coined by Trump allies to describe extreme hostility toward the former president.
For years, Trump’s critics have reacted with visceral opposition to his rhetoric, policies, and public presence.
Now, some lawmakers want to find out why.
Representative Warren Davidson, a Republican from Ohio, has introduced the Trump Derangement Syndrome Research Act of 2025.
The bill proposes using existing National Institutes of Health (NIH) resources to study the phenomenon in depth
Trump Derangement Syndrome is irrational reactions to Trump or supporters
The bill defines Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) as “intense, irrational emotional or cognitive reactions” to Trump’s words, actions, or presence.
Symptoms are said to include verbal hostility, obsessive criticism, and even aggressive acts toward Trump or his supporters.
Though the term is often used mockingly by Trump fans, Davidson says there is a serious issue to address
‘TDS has divided families, the country, and led to nationwide violence—including two assassination attempts on President Trump,’ Davidson told.
He argues that unchecked TDS has contributed to national division, violence, and even assassination attempts.
Lawmaker says studying Trump derangement syndrome is more relevant
Davidson claims the NIH has wasted funds on irrelevant studies in the past.
He believes TDS research would be a more meaningful use of government resources.
Examples he cited include NIH funding to give meth to cats or to teach monkeys to gamble for water.
‘Instead of funding ludicrous studies such as giving methamphetamine to cats or teaching monkeys to gamble for their drinking water, the NIH should use that funding to research issues that are relevant to the real world,’ Davidson’s statement continued.
To avoid new spending, the bill reallocates funds from existing mental health research programs.
Davidson insists this approach will not increase costs for taxpayers.
Bill aims to expose causes of Trump Derangement Syndrome
The bill tasks the NIH with studying the origins, symptoms, and long-term effects of Trump Derangement Syndrome.
It also asks researchers to develop intervention strategies to address it.
A special focus of the research is the role of media coverage in amplifying political animosity toward Trump.
The legislation highlights early media reactions to Trump’s 2016 campaign as potential catalysts for TDS.
‘Notable early instances of TDS include certain media coverage amplifying polarized responses to Donald J. Trump’s campaign rhetoric, which some observers cite as initial signs of TDS, though precise origins remain understudied,’ the bill states.
It even calls for investigators to identify a possible “patient zero” or the earliest known case of TDS.
A final report must be delivered to Congress within two years of the law’s enactment.
TDS bill faces uncertain future as Republicans push Trump’s agenda
The bill is co-sponsored by Representative Barry Moore of Alabama
But it’s unclear whether House leadership will prioritize the TDS bill amid a busy legislative schedule.
Speaker Mike Johnson is working to pass a sweeping legislative package in support of Trump’s 2025 policy goals. With a self-imposed deadline before Memorial Day, attention may stay focused on tax cuts and spending reforms.
In March, a similar bill was introduced in Minnesota to classify TDS as an official disorder.
It described symptoms as verbal hostility and violent acts against Trump supporters or pro-Trump symbols.
While supporters argue that understanding TDS can help heal political divisions, critics say the effort borders on partisan mockery.
Psychologists have not recognized TDS as a real diagnosis.
Still, Davidson maintains that extreme anti-Trump sentiment has created measurable harm to public discourse and mental health.
“We must study this toxic mindset,” he said, “so we can find solutions before further damage is done.”