Conspirituality

290: Trump Derangement Science

January 8, 2026

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  • The episode explores how fascists invent 'new science' to legitimize discarding established science, exemplified by RFK Jr.'s claims about acetaminophen and autism, and Arizona Senator Janae Shamp's proposal to study 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' 
  • Biohacker Bryan Johnson's highly publicized, romanticized writings about his relationship with his assistant are analyzed as an example of sublimating religious impulses and erotic sensations into pseudoscientific jargon, contrasting with the genuine, non-immortality-seeking focus of language poets. 
  • The concept of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' (TDS) is traced from its origins mocking Never-Trumpers to its current use by Trump allies to pathologize political opposition, mirroring historical tactics used to pathologize dissent, such as 'drapetomania' and 'sluggish schizophrenia.' 

Segments

Podcast Introduction and Hosts
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(00:01:12)
  • Key Takeaway: The podcast investigates conspiracy theories, spiritual influence, cults, and pseudoscience.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce Conspirituality, its focus on conspiracy theories and spiritual influence, and provide ways to access episodes.
Brian Johnson’s Bio-Romance Poem
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(00:02:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Brian Johnson’s extreme biohacking routine is intertwined with a highly stylized, pseudo-scientific expression of romance.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce a poem by Brian Johnson detailing his reunion with his girlfriend, Kate Tolo, using jargon about his body’s biomarkers and nerves.
Sublimation of Religious Jargon
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(00:06:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Johnson’s scientific language is a sublimation of religious impulses, similar to other figures like Zach Bush.
  • Summary: The discussion explores how Johnson uses scientific vocabulary to dress up religious yearnings for immortality and spiritual connection.
Eroticism Reimagined in Science
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(01:11:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Johnson’s writing is characterized as ‘softcore neuroporn’ where eroticism is described using neurobiological terms.
  • Summary: The hosts analyze Johnson’s description of physical reactions upon reunion, muddling imagination and reality with scientific terms.
Language Poetry and Immortality
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(01:13:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Johnson’s obsession with his own bodily data contrasts with language poets who challenged authorial eternality.
  • Summary: Walker compares Johnson’s linguistic style to the language poetry movement, noting Johnson’s focus on achieving personal immortality through his data.
RFK Jr. and Pathologizing Critics
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(01:23:18)
  • Key Takeaway: RFK Jr. is actively trying to invent new science to support his claims while simultaneously pathologizing his critics as having ‘Trump derangement syndrome.’
  • Summary: The hosts play a clip of RFK Jr. claiming TDS is a pathology and announcing studies to ‘make the proof’ that acetaminophen causes autism.
Weaponizing Pseudoscience for Politics
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(01:30:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Kennedy is funding anti-science efforts by granting money to controversial researchers to support his anti-vaccine agenda.
  • Summary: The segment details the $1.6 million grant given to the Bandem Health Project to study delaying the Hep B birth dose, linking it to Kennedy’s anti-vax activism.
The History of Pathologizing Dissent
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(01:44:19)
  • Key Takeaway: The concept of pathologizing political opposition using medical jargon has deep historical roots, from slavery to the Soviet Union.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss Trump using TDS against Rob Reiner and then examine historical examples like Drapeidomania and sluggish schizophrenia.
The Evolution of Trump Derangement Syndrome
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(01:56:03)
  • Key Takeaway: TDS evolved from a satirical term mocking Never Trumpers to a mainstream insult used by Trump himself to dismiss all critics.
  • Summary: The etymology of TDS is traced from Krauthammer’s BDS to its adoption by Trump supporters and eventually by Trump against Kamala Harris.