House Republicans, led by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), have introduced the “Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) Research Act of 2025,” directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the origins and impacts of what they describe as a psychological condition characterized by extreme reactions to President Donald Trump.
The bill mandates the NIH to identify the earliest documented cases of TDS, referred to as “patient zero,” and to study the psychological and behavioral effects associated with the syndrome. It also calls for research into contributing factors, such as media influence and political polarization, and seeks to develop strategies for mitigating its effects.
Rep. Davidson emphasized the real-world consequences of TDS, citing its role in dividing families and contributing to nationwide unrest, including two assassination attempts on President Trump. He criticized the NIH for funding what he termed “ludicrous studies” and argued that resources should be allocated to research with practical relevance.
Co-sponsor Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) supported the initiative, stating that TDS has become an epidemic on the Left, leading to political and social unrest.
The legislation stipulates that the NIH director collaborate with other federal agencies and academic institutions, with a report due to Congress within two years detailing findings and recommendations for further research or public health actions. The bill proposes using existing NIH resources, requiring no additional funding.
