GOP Bill Tasks NIH With Finding ‘Patient Zero’ Of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

What are the origins of “Trump Derangement Syndrome”? House Republicans would like scientists to find out.

Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) introduced a bill directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct or support research to “advance the understanding” of the phenomenon characterized by “intense emotional or cognitive reactions” to President Donald Trump.

The bill, titled the “Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) Research Act of 2025,” says “early documented references” emerged during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, including “certain media coverage amplifying polarized responses” to his rhetoric.

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However, the bill notes that its “precise origins remain understudied.” One of the research objectives listed in the legislation is 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.”

Known for his bombastic personality and commentary, Trump has long been a polarizing figure with a large number of supporters and critics. But some people have taken anti-Trump stances to such extremes as warning there is a “Trump crime cult” wanting “people to die” and, in Congress, offering perpetual impeachment proposals.

“It’s a day that ends in ‘-Y’, which means liberal Democrats are again trying to impeach [the president] for delivering the will of the people,” Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) recently said in response to yet another impeachment bid. “TDS is strong. MAGA is stronger.”

There’s also the issue of violence. Last year, the situation took a dark turn when two assassination attempts were made against Trump as he campaigned for a second term in the White House.

Davidson’s bill also calls for an inquiry into psychological or behavioral impacts of TDS, contributing factors ranging from media exposure to political polarization, as well as potential interventions, coping mechanisms, and strategies to mitigate the effects of TDS.

“TDS has divided families, the country, and led to nationwide violence—including two assassination attempts on President Trump. The TDS Research Act would require the NIH to study this toxic state of mind, so we can understand the root cause and identify solutions,” Davidson said in a statement.

He added: “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.”

Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) is an early co-sponsor of the bill.

“Trump Derangement Syndrome has become an epidemic on the Left,” Moore said. “Some individuals who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome have participated in nationwide political and social unrest, even trying to assassinate President Trump twice. Rep. Davidson’s common-sense bill will use already appropriated funds on an NIH study that can make a difference.”

Davidson’s bill orders the NIH director to collaborate with the heads of other federal agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations. After two years, the NIH director must report to Congress on the progress of the research, any findings on the initial emergence or long-term effects of TDS, and recommendations for more research or public health actions.

The legislation, if passed into law, would use existing NIH resources and not require additional spending, according to Davidson’s office.