Minnesota Republicans Propose Defining 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' as Mental Illness

Minnesota Republicans are turning heads with a controversial new proposal. Five GOP lawmakers are gearing up to introduce legislation that would classify "Trump derangement syndrome" as a recognized mental illness in the state. Yes, you read that right—this is not satire, folks.

The bill is set to hit the Senate floor Monday and will be referred to the Health and Human Services committee, according to reports from Fox 9. The text defines "Trump derangement syndrome" as the "acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump." Symptoms allegedly include "Trump-induced general hysteria" and an inability to differentiate between valid policy debates and perceived psychic pathology in Trump’s behavior.

While this might sound like a political jab dressed up as healthcare reform, the bill appears to borrow heavily from language originally coined by late political commentator Charles Krauthammer. Back in 2003, Krauthammer used similar phrasing to describe "Bush derangement syndrome"—a term aimed at critics of then-President George W. Bush. The Minnesota proposal mirrors Krauthammer's definition almost verbatim, swapping "George W. Bush" for "Donald J. Trump." Originality clearly didn’t make the cut this time.

In case you're wondering, "Trump derangement syndrome" is not officially recognized as a mental illness by any medical authority, and mental health experts define mental illness based on diagnostic codes, not political satire. This means the proposal faces significant hurdles, particularly in a split legislature. To say it’s unlikely to pass is putting it mildly.

Critics of Trump have long been derided by his supporters using the "derangement syndrome" phrase, which has gained traction as a political insult. However, its roots lie in the Bush era, before it was repurposed to fit today’s polarized political climate. Seems like every presidency gets its own version of this so-called syndrome.

The bill has already sparked debate about whether it’s a genuine attempt at addressing mental health or simply a partisan stunt. Either way, it’s clear the proposal has struck a nerve in the ongoing culture wars. Stay tuned—this one’s bound to bring some fireworks.