Minnesota Republicans Propose Bill for ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

Mar. 16, 2025, 7:26 am ET

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  • Minnesota Senate Republicans introduced a bill to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness.
  • The bill defines the syndrome as an acute onset of paranoia in reaction to Donald Trump’s policies and presidency.
  • The proposal has sparked significant controversy and debate.

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Quick Brief

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Essential Context

A new bill introduced by Minnesota Senate Republicans aims to recognize “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness. This move has ignited a heated debate, with the bill describing the syndrome as an acute onset of paranoia in individuals reacting to Donald Trump’s policies and presidency.

Core Players

  • Sen. Eric Lucero [R] – Lead sponsor of the bill
  • Sen. Steve Drazkowski [R] – Co-sponsor
  • Sen. Nathan Wesenberg [R] – Co-sponsor
  • Sen. Justin Eichorn [R] – Co-sponsor
  • Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen [R] – Co-sponsor
  • Donald Trump – President Trump and subject of the proposed syndrome

Key Numbers

  • March 17, 2025 – Date the bill was introduced
  • 25% – Progression of the bill as of introduction
  • 5 – Number of Republican senators sponsoring the bill

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The Catalyst

The bill, introduced on March 17, 2025, has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It defines “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as including symptoms such as “Trump-induced general hysteria” and “verbal expressions of intense hostility toward President Trump.”

This move is seen as a highly controversial step, sparking debates about the legitimacy and implications of such a classification.

Inside Forces

The sponsors of the bill argue that the syndrome is a legitimate mental health issue, while critics see it as a political maneuver to stigmatize opposition to Trump. The bill’s language suggests that the syndrome could be recognized in legal and medical contexts, which has raised concerns about its potential misuse.

Internal dynamics within the Minnesota Senate show a clear partisan divide, with all sponsors being Republican senators.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between Trump and his critics has been highly polarized, and this bill reflects that divide. By proposing to classify opposition to Trump as a mental illness, the bill’s sponsors are exerting their influence to shape public discourse and potentially silence dissent.

Critics argue that this move undermines the principles of free speech and political dissent.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of this bill are significant. If passed, it could set a precedent for labeling political opposition as a mental health issue, which could have far-reaching consequences for political discourse and freedom of speech.

Public reactions have been mixed, with some supporting the bill as a way to address what they see as irrational behavior, while others condemn it as an attempt to suppress political opposition.

Future Forces

The future of this bill is uncertain. It will need to pass through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee before it can proceed to a full Senate vote. The outcome will depend on the committee’s evaluation and the broader political climate in Minnesota.

Potential next steps include public hearings, amendments to the bill, and a final vote in the Senate.

Data Points

  • March 17, 2025 – Bill introduced and referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
  • 25% – Current progression of the bill
  • 5 – Number of Republican senators sponsoring the bill
  • Donald Trump – President Trump and current president as of 2025

The proposal to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness highlights the deep polarization in American politics. As the bill navigates the legislative process, it will continue to be a focal point of debate, reflecting broader issues of free speech, political dissent, and the role of mental health in public discourse.