H.R. 3432 — TDS Research Act of 2025

This section declares congressional findings concerning Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), described as a behavioral or psychological phenomenon involving intense emotional or cognitive reactions to Donald J. Trump that emerged during his 2016 presidential campaign. The findings identify media practices—such as selective reporting, amplification of unverified claims, and omission of context—as contributors to TDS and societal polarization; note two assassination attempts against Donald J. Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, and September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida; and assert that the National Institutes of Health is positioned to study TDS's psychological, social, and media-related factors.

This section directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through existing programs and authorities of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other relevant institutes and centers, to conduct or support research on Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), including its origins, manifestations, and long-term effects. The research must address (1) identification of initial emergence or earliest cases of TDS (i.e., "patient zero" or index cases) via historical and social analyses; (2) investigation of long-term psychological, social, or behavioral impacts on individuals, communities, or public discourse; (3) analysis of contributing factors such as media exposure, political polarization, or social dynamics; and (4) exploration of potential interventions, coping mechanisms, or mitigation strategies. The Director must collaborate with other federal agencies, academic institutions, and organizations as appropriate and submit annual reports to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, beginning not later than two years after enactment, on research progress, findings, and recommendations.

This section defines the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” or “TDS” for purposes of the Act as a behavioral or psychological phenomenon characterized by intense emotional or cognitive reactions to Donald J. Trump, his actions, or his public presence, as observed in individuals or groups.