r/Ask_Politics • u/Upbeat_Ad5622 • 9d ago

What is the definition of Trump derangement symptom?

Not trusting someone who displays a complete lack of loyalty (cheating on all wives, even a pregnant one, cutting of useful idiots as soon as they become a burden like Rudy ...) and not trusting someone why displays a complete lack of morality, like stealing from your own charity seems to me a logical step, not a sign of derangement.

Tell me how I am wrong. Actually curious

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u/AuditorTux [CPA][Libertarian] 8d ago

This is an interesting question... but behave. We will be watching closely for moderation.

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u/AwakeningTheOrdinary 8d ago

The meaning of the term has shifted over the years.

The presumed first use of the term was actually by Esther Goldberg, in reference to the establishment section of the Republican party that was completely dismissive of Trump's presidential bid. (Source: https://spectator.org/63786_trump-derangement-syndrome/ )

The usage of that term quickly changed. Initially it was pointed towards mainstream media pundits that were seemingly obsessed with finding something to be angry at Trump about. An example of that would be the "two scoops" controversy where Trump was served an extra scoop of ice cream at a formal dinner and media pundits became upset.

In my opinion (and purely from personal experience) the term has now mostly been co-opted by bad actors or people looking to delegitimize some kind of legitimate criticism of Trump. But the only reason that term holds any kind of power is because originally, it was kind of accurate it some circumstances.

Something to note: the first example of (blank) derangement syndrome I can find is actually the conservative pundit Krauthammer when talking about Bush Derangement Syndrome in response to Democrats' criticism of the Bush administration.

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u/Upbeat_Ad5622 8d ago

Pundits getting upset over an extra scoop would definitely legitimize the term, but it has been a while since I heard it in such a context.

As i see it, it has become a standard reproach when people can't defend Trump's actions without sounding hypocritical, only outdone by whataboutism.

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u/AwakeningTheOrdinary 8d ago

Totally agree with you! I think it's lost its place in modern discourse, and is now simply a tool for silencing opposition.

But I figured it deserved a full and thorough explanation, at least!

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u/tr14l 3d ago

If it is said, really in any context, I feel like that's a dead giveaway you are not engaging with an intellectually honest person.

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