A group of Republican lawmakers in Minnesota are planning to introduce a bill that would require the state to classify “Trump derangement syndrome” as a form of mental illness. Five GOP lawmakers will present the bill in the state’s Senate and refer it to the Health and Human Services committee. The proposed legislation seeks to officially designate “Trump derangement syndrome” as a mental illness, with symptoms such as paranoia triggered by reactions to the policies and leadership of President Donald J. Trump. Despite the divided state legislature, the bill is not expected to pass. The term “Trump derangement syndrome” has been used by President Trump and his supporters to criticize those they perceive as having an irrational bias against the president. While the term has gained popularity in recent years, it was originally coined in 2003 by political commentator Charles Krauthammer to describe critics of then-President George W. Bush. The proposed bill in Minnesota mirrors Krauthammer’s earlier description of “Bush derangement syndrome,” which characterized it as an acute onset of paranoia in response to George W. Bush’s policies and presidency.
