May 15, 2025
Mr. Davidson (for himself and Mr. Moore of Alabama) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health to conduct or support research to advance the understanding of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Trump Derangement Syndrome Research Act of 2025
or the TDS Research Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
Trump Derangement Syndrome has been described as a behavioral or psychological phenomenon involving intense emotional or cognitive reactions to Donald J. Trump, his actions, or his public presence, with early documented references emerging during his 2016 presidential campaign.
(2)
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.
(3)
Recurrent, selective reporting by media outlets, emphasizing aspects of Donald J. Trump’s actions or statements while omitting broader context, has been alleged to contribute to TDS by intensifying polarized public reactions and deepening societal division.
(4)
Frequent amplification of unverified or anonymously sourced claims about Donald J. Trump’s conduct has further fueled TDS, driving significant public outrage and contributing to heightened emotional responses among individuals and groups.
(5)
The following two confirmed assassination attempts against Donald J. Trump occurred in 2024:
(A)
On July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a shooter wounded Donald J. Trump’s ear, killed one attendee, and injured two others.
(B)
On September 15, 2024, at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, a suspect was apprehended with a rifle and the incident was investigated as an assassination attempt.
(6)
Understanding TDS may contribute to broader insights into political polarization, media influence, and psychological responses to public figures, with implications for public health and social cohesion.
(7)
The National Institutes of Health, through its existing programs, is well-positioned to study the psychological and social factors underlying TDS, including its origins, media influences, and potential links to extreme behaviors, to inform public health strategies.
Sec. 3. NIH research on Trump Derangement Syndrome within existing programs
(a) In general
The Director of the National Institutes of Health, through the existing programs and authorities of the National Institute of Mental Health and other relevant institutes and centers, shall conduct or support research to advance the understanding of Trump Derangement Syndrome, including its origins, manifestations, and long-term effects.
(b) Research objectives
The research conducted under subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
efforts to identify the initial emergence or earliest documented cases (commonly referred to as patient zero
or index cases) of TDS, including historical and social analyses to trace the onset of TDS;
(2)
investigation of the long-term psychological, social, or behavioral impacts of TDS on affected individuals, communities, or public discourse;
(3)
analysis of contributing factors, such as media exposure, political polarization, or social dynamics, to the development or spread of TDS; and
(4)
exploration of potential interventions, coping mechanisms, or strategies to mitigate adverse effects of TDS, as applicable.
(c) Collaboration
The Director shall collaborate with the heads of other Federal agencies, academic institutions, and relevant organizations, as appropriate, to achieve the objectives described in subsection (b).
(d) Annual report to Congress
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on—
(1)
the progress of research conducted under this section;
(2)
any findings related to the initial emergence or long-term effects of TDS; and
(3)
recommendations for further research or public health actions.
Sec. 4. Definition
In this Act, the term Trump Derangement Syndrome
or TDS
refers to a behavioral or psychological phenomenon characterized by intense emotional or cognitive reactions to Donald J. Trump, his actions, or his public presence, as observed in individuals or groups.