TDS Research Act of 2025

This bill tells the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to use its existing programs to study “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS). TDS is defined here as strong emotional or mental reactions to Donald J. Trump, his actions, or his public presence. The research would look at where it started, how it shows up, and long‑term effects. It would also examine factors like media exposure, political polarization, and social dynamics, and explore ways to reduce harmful effects. NIH would work with other federal agencies and universities, and report progress and recommendations to Congress two years after the law takes effect and then every year.

The bill’s “findings” section says early mentions of TDS appeared during the 2016 campaign, and alleges that certain media practices and unverified claims intensified public reactions and division. It also notes two confirmed assassination attempts against Donald J. Trump in 2024.

• Who is affected: NIH researchers; people who experience intense reactions to Donald J. Trump; communities and public conversation.
• What changes: NIH studies TDS within current programs, looks for earliest cases, examines long‑term impacts, tests possible interventions, and collaborates with other agencies and institutions.
• When: NIH must deliver a report to Congress two years after enactment, and then yearly.