TDS in Court
DOJ Invokes "Trump Derangement Syndrome" in Motion to Dismiss White House Ballroom Lawsuit
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently requested that the federal lawsuit filed by an NGO to stop construction of the White House ballroom be dismissed following the assassination attempt at the Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026.
The DOJ is seeking dismissal of the National Trust for Historic Preservation lawsuit against the construction of the new White House ballroom.
According to the DOJ, the existing injunction on the ballroom’s construction should be lifted due to national security concerns. The department argues that the project is essential for protecting the President and includes security features such as bomb shelters and threat-resistant materials.
The motion also states that the National Trust suffers from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a phrase commonly used by supporters of President Trump to criticize opposition to his policies and administration.
The National Trust’s lawsuit seeks to halt the $400 million ballroom project, arguing that it poses risks to historic preservation. The DOJ’s motion, filed on April 27, 2026, has sparked debate over both its tone and substance, with critics claiming it reads more like a political statement than a traditional legal filing.
This raises an interesting question: does the DOJ recognize that there was previously a bill introduced before the Minnesota Senate titled “Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) Addition to the Definition of Mental Illness”?
The proposed legislation stated:
“Trump Derangement Syndrome” means the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons in reaction to the policies of President Donald J. Trump and overt acts of aggression and violence against anyone supporting President Donald J. Trump.
Note the use of the word “violence.”
Citing Trump Derangement Syndrome could arguably require diagnostic criteria. The proposed Minnesota legislation further stated:
“Mental illness” means Trump Derangement Syndrome or an organic disorder of the brain, or a clinically significant disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, memory, or behavior that is detailed in a diagnostic codes list published by the commissioner and that seriously limits a person's capacity to function in primary aspects of daily living, such as personal relations, living arrangements, work, and recreation.
Again, note that symptoms were described as being “detailed in a diagnostic codes list.”
John Fetterman has publicly supported construction of the White House ballroom, arguing that it is necessary for events involving the U.S. government’s line of succession. He has reportedly called on opponents to “drop the TDS” and support the project, which he believes would enhance security for such events. This position was notably linked to both a social media post and a The New York Times op-ed by Senator Fetterman titled:
“Democrats Cannot ‘Simply Be the Opposite’ of Trump”
If Senator Fetterman’s argument holds true, then perhaps Democrats cannot continue using lawsuits as political tools to oppose President Trump and his supporters at every turn.
If the President prevails and the lawsuit is ultimately withdrawn because of what supporters characterize as the National Trust’s “TDS,” could that create broader questions about politically motivated litigation rooted in ideological hostility?
A psychotherapist interviewed on Fox News program The Faulkner Focus appeared under the headline:
“Psychotherapist says ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ is real pathology, plaguing 75 percent of his patients.”
Dr. Jonathan Alpert described the condition as “the defining pathology of our time” based on observations from his practice. He stated that he has personally seen symptoms of what he calls Trump Derangement Syndrome in approximately three-quarters of his patients.
Was the Correspondents’ Dinner shooting an example of TDS in action?
Does TDS contribute to media bias and rhetoric from public figures, including entertainers such as Jimmy Kimmel, who critics argue have used inflammatory language directed at President Trump and his family?
Additional online research into TDS reveals two articles in Psychology Today by Dr. Alex Pattakos. His most recent article, published on September 4, 2024, begins:
“Early in 2018, I published a post, ‘Why the Left’s Obsession With Donald Trump Will Backfire.’”
Dr. Pattakos further explains:
“Signs of TDS can be observed along a continuum of reactions, ranging from verbal expressions of intense hostility toward President Trump to overt acts of aggression and even violence against anyone supporting or anything symbolizing him.”
Again, note the reference to “violence.”
For those seeking help, there is even a TDS treatment site created by Count Metalmind, who describes himself as:
“Inspired by Hunter S. Thompson to dissect reality, expose inconvenient truths & shatter dogma... This medical analysis is brought to you by Count Metalmind, the Gonzo Professor of Political Psychology.”
I admit I find Count Metalmind’s perspective interesting, especially because I dedicated my last two books to Hunter S. Thompson. Ironically, this article was also published on my 70th birthday.
Finally, here is my own proposed solution: perhaps someone should create “TDS Anonymous.” I have been sober for 43 years because Alcoholics Anonymous works. It works for people all over the world.
The DOJ motion reportedly references Trump Derangement Syndrome three separate times. If the National Trust for Historic Preservation truly suffers from what supporters describe as TDS, some argue that Judge Richard Leon should dismiss the case entirely and recommend treatment rather than litigation.
The last hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights was held on January 7, 2026, focusing on the issue of holding so-called “rogue judges” accountable.
Some now ask whether it may be time for Judge Leon to appear before the same committee and explain why preserving aging buildings should take precedence over protecting the President, White House staff, and supporters from future security threats.
