Arizona GOP lawmaker proposes study on ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A GOP senator in Arizona has filed a bill ordering the state to study what the legislation calls “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

State Sen. Janae Shamp filed Senate Bill 1070, which would require the Arizona Department of Health Services to conduct a study on “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” also known as “TDS.”

The phrase is used by Republicans to dismiss Democrats who criticize President Donald Trump and has no official standing as a mental health disorder.

The bill would give the health department one year to produce a report on the origins of “TDS” along with its “long term effects on individuals, communities and public discourse.”

Will Humble, the former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, called the proposal “silly.”

“You’re ordering a state agency to do a bunch of work that has no objective, no meaningful outcome. And, by the way, it’s outside their mission — they’re not social scientists,” Humble said.

Humble said the bill would most likely consume time and resources before ultimately receiving a gubernatorial veto. He said the legislation has no objective other than making a political statement.

Gene Nance, a retired veterinarian, struggled to find words when shown a copy of the bill. When asked if he thought it was a good bill, he said, “I don’t recognize that as... I don’t.”

Shamp did not respond to requests for comment.

When asked if Hobbs plans to sign the bill if it passes, a governor’s office spokesman laughed and said, “You can quote me on that.”