Arizona lawmaker wants state to study ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

Since taking office, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed a steady stream of bills from Arizona Republicans, many of them drawing criticism for being impractical or overly ideological. Among the proposals she has rejected are measures tightening voting rules, regulating students’ bodies, and requiring identification to access online pornography — the last of which ultimately became law.

Now, a new proposal from Surprise Republican Sen. Janae Shamp is drawing renewed attention. Filed Monday ahead of the 2026 legislative session, the bill would require the state to study “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a term commonly used by Republicans to describe strong negative reactions to President Donald Trump.

Shamp’s proposal, Senate Bill 1070 — unrelated to Arizona’s well-known immigration law that shares the same number — would direct the Arizona Department of Health Services to conduct or support research aimed at “advancing the understanding of Trump Derangement Syndrome, including its origins, manifestations and long-term effects on individuals, communities and public discourse.” The bill also calls for identifying early documented cases and examining contributing factors such as political polarization. The department would have one year to deliver findings or provide a progress update.

The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is not recognized by the medical or psychological community. Critics argue it is a political label rather than a legitimate condition. Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association and a former state health director, said the bill appears to be more about political messaging than public health.

“This is clearly a statement bill,” Humble said. “It would give the health department a large amount of work without any meaningful outcome. The department has limited resources, and this doesn’t improve public health in any measurable way.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health Services declined to comment on the proposed legislation. Shamp did not respond to requests for comment.

The bill defines “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as “a behavioral or psychological phenomenon characterized by intense emotional or psychological reactions to Donald Trump, his actions or his public presence, as observed in individuals or groups.” Critics note that the definition is broad and could apply to both strong opposition to Trump and intense admiration for him.

Humble said that the lack of diagnostic standards or clinical criteria makes the proposal especially problematic. “There is no diagnosis, no diagnostic code, and no agreed-upon medical definition,” he said. “You’re asking a public health agency to study something with no data framework or scientific basis.”

Shamp, who lists her profession as a registered nurse on her campaign website, prominently features a photo of herself with Trump. Opponents of the bill argue that medical professionals should be cautious about politicizing mental health concepts.

As long as Hobbs remains governor, the bill is unlikely to become law, assuming it advances through the Legislature at all. However, with Republicans eyeing the governor’s office in the next election — including candidates Karrin Taylor Robson, David Schweikert and Andy Biggs — critics warn that proposals once considered symbolic could gain traction in the future.

original source