Hey Republicans, ‘TDS’ is not a mental illness.

By Christina Lorey

March 18, 2025

While Trump was busy breaking the law and disregarding a federal judge’s order to turn around a plane of “Venezuelan gang members,” five Republican state senators from Minnesota introduced a bill to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness.

If passed, a section of a statute that includes definitions for terms including “diagnostic assessment” and “outpatient services” would be appended to add one for TDS. The authors describe TDS as “the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons” in reaction to Trump’s policies.

Fox News, Trump supporters, and even Trump himself have used “TDS” to refer to any American they feel is “overly paranoid” about what a 34-count convicted felon is doing to our country.

Here’s why this matters: Mental illness is not a joke.

Our country already has a mental health crisis — with too many cases and not enough care.

Classifying TDS as a legally-recognized mental illness means resources meant to treat actual illnesses could be misappropriated.

P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health right now, click here for free, 24/7 help.

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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