"Trump Derangement Syndrome" Is Not a Real Diagnosis
Why Black Men Voted for Trump – Why “Trump Derangement Syndrome” Is Not a Real Diagnosis
By Dr. D Ivan Young, MCC, NBC-HWC
As a behavioral neuroscientist, Master Certified Coach (MCC), and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), I spend my days guiding high-performing individuals—including many Black men—through the emotional, psychological, and sometimes spiritual complexities of leadership, relationships, and personal growth. So, when a CNN senior producer recently asked me, Why Black Men Voted for Trump? And Why so I believe that “Trump Derangement Syndrome” Is Not Real? I could not pass up the opportunity to weigh in on this sensitive but timely question, and believe me, I leaned all the way in.
How do you deal with buyer’s remorse about voting for Donald Trump?
“To begin, we must understand that political buyer’s remorse transcends mere embarrassment; instead, it stems from unmet expectations. Specifically, many voters, especially Black men under 45, did not align with Trump’s ideology. Rather, they cast their votes for him as a protest, a disruptive act, and, more importantly, a demand for visibility.
Indeed, these voters didn’t succumb to MAGA culture. Instead, they felt disconnected from traditional political narratives. Furthermore, they were disillusioned by what they perceived as Democratic neglect. Additionally, Trump’s unfiltered bravado intrigued them. In essence, some perceived him as a bold, take-no-prisoners figure who could finally shake up a system that had consistently failed their communities. However, now, as we confront a critical juncture in American democracy, many of these voters ask themselves, ‘What in the hell did I vote for?’
Understanding the Psychology Behind the Vote
To understand this phenomenon, we need to get under the hood of human behavior. Decisions—especially political ones—are emotional before they’re rational. That’s easily confirmed by neuroscience. People respond to perceived threats, unmet needs, and emotional narratives.
Black men, historically and presently, face immense pressure: economic instability, societal invisibility, and emotional isolation. When someone comes along promising to upend the establishment and restore power to “the forgotten man,” it’s not hard to see why that message lands with Men of Color. When someone tells people what they want to hear and believe, it’s easy to manipulate them from there. But, here’s the rub: true empowerment doesn’t come from chaos, it comes from clarity. Unfortunately, for many that’s leaned in hindsight.
So What Now? Dealing With Voting Remorse
For those experiencing what we might call “political regret,” the first step is to shift from shame to reflection. Shame shuts people down. Reflection opens them up. Buyer’s remorse, when handled properly, is an opportunity for growth. It forces people to ask themselves:
- What was I hoping for?
- Did I get it?
- If not, what can I learn from this experience?
As someone who coaches leaders to navigate high-stakes decisions, I see this kind of regret often. My message? It takes strength to admit a mistake. It takes wisdom to learn from it. When vulnerability meets an opportunist, the opportunist typically wins.
To the 3 Out of 10 Black Men Under 45 Who Voted for Trump
Though it’s a struggle for me personally to understand how so many people ignored the obvious, I get it. Frustration clouds good judgement and rational thinking. That’s why “Trump Derangement Syndrome” Is Not a Real Diagnosis.
Like most political campaigns, the Trump organization and Elon Musk didn’t just spend millions—they invested in manipulating your pain. Their messages were carefully crafted to feel personal, to reflect your lived experiences and speak directly to your deepest frustrations. But these weren’t messages of healing or hope. They were emotional triggers, designed to provoke a reaction—not to bring change.
They knew exactly where to hit—where you felt ignored, dismissed, and let down by people and systems you once believed in. They didn’t approach you with empathy or understanding. Instead, they used your wounds as leverage. All to push you toward one outcome: cast your vote.
And once they got what they wanted, your vote, they were gone. No follow-through. No solutions. Just the same old struggles, the same weight on your shoulders. The truth is – You deserved better. You deserved to be seen, to be valued—not used. But in the end, you weren’t heard, seen or valued. You were played.
This is a textbook example of psycho-social manipulation. It’s the same strategy used in ad campaigns that convince you to buy things you don’t need—sometimes even things that are harmful to your physical, mental, or emotional well-being. These tactics bypass your rational thinking and go straight for your primal instincts. They provoke emotion, stir up fear or anger, and overwhelm your ability to think clearly. Even when facts and logic suggest a different path, your emotions win the battle.
They knew exactly how to hit your pain points—where you felt unseen, unheard, or fed up—and then tailored commercials, events, and media content to speak directly to that raw emotion. Put mildly? You got played.
Now, let’s be clear: you are not a faceless, monolithic group. Instead, you are a tapestry of diverse individuals. You are the entrepreneurs building businesses from the ground up, the fathers guiding and protecting their families, the athletes pushing the limits of human potential, the artists expressing the soul of our culture. You are one of the critical thinkers challenging the status quo.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND VOTING BEHAVIOR
Furthermore, many of you have grown weary of the political theater, of politicians who deliver speeches at you, rather than engaging in genuine dialogue, listening to your concerns. Moreover, you are understandably skeptical of performative allyship, the empty gestures and hollow promises that consistently fail to materialize into tangible change. In essence, you experienced a sophisticated manipulation, a calculated attempt to exploit your pain points for political gain, and that feeling of betrayal is entirely valid.
You voted not just against a party, but against a narrative that never truly reflected your reality. And Trump’s brand—raw, unapologetic, anti-establishment—felt like a middle finger to a system you believe ignored you. I hear that. I respect your agency.
But now it’s time for a deeper reckoning from within. What, precisely, did you get in return? Policies that benefited your communities? Rhetoric that empowered your families? Or were you collateral damage in a strategic political game that never really had you in mind?
And if you’re still on the fence—doubling down on the same choice in hopes of a different result—ask yourself: Am I voting for change, or just reacting to disappointment?
What Do They Think About Their Vote Today?
Some are doubling down, locked into confirmation bias. Others are quietly re-evaluating, especially in light of Trump’s legal troubles, inflammatory rhetoric, and erratic leadership style. What I see most, though, is cognitive dissonance fatigue.
People are tired of justifying decisions that no longer align with their values or lived experience. They’re tired of being called “sellouts” or “sheep” and tired of being pulled into a cultural tug-of-war that often overlooks nuance.
This is the moment for introspection. Not because someone told you you’re wrong, but because growth requires alignment between belief and behavior.
Is “Trump Derangement Syndrome” a Real Diagnosis?
Let’s be clear: no, “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) is not a legitimate clinical diagnosis. It’s a term often used to discredit legitimate logical and emotional reactions to Trump’s impulsive behavior and aberrant policies. According to the American Psychiatric Association, TDS is not listed in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
But while the term itself is flippant, the psychological impact of divisive leadership is real. People are dealing with heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and moral fatigue—especially those in marginalized communities. We’re not dealing with derangement; we’re dealing with collective trauma.
In my work, I help clients develop emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility, two hallmarks of healthy psychological functioning. What’s happening for many isn’t mental illness—it’s the result of navigating a socio-political landscape that often feels like psychological warfare.
Moving Forward: What Black Men (and All Voters) Should Ask Themselves
If you’re unsure where you stand, or if you’re rethinking your choices, here are some reflective questions:
- Does my vote reflect my values or just my frustrations?
- What do I want for my family, my community, and myself?
- Is the candidate I’m supporting aligned with those goals?
- Am I making an emotionally reactive decision, or a strategically informed one?
These aren’t just political questions. They’re questions about identity, agency, and integrity. And that’s where the real work begins.
Black men have every right to demand better from the political system. But protest voting, while emotionally satisfying in the moment, often leads to outcomes that don’t serve long-term interests. Change isn’t just about disruption. It’s about direction.
This is why I always say: the same fire that can burn down a house can also illuminate your mind. The question is, what are we fueling?
A Final Word
As someone whose work has been featured on TEDx, CNN, and MSNBC, and as a certified expert in emotional intelligence and evidence-based coaching, I can tell you this: we are at a tipping point. The decisions we make now will shape not just the next election cycle, but the psychological and cultural landscape of the next generation.
Let’s stop talking about votes in terms of red or blue. Let’s talk about alignment, integrity, and emotional maturity. Let’s talk about what leadership actually looks like.
And to every person of color, especially black men, a man or woman who’s feeling misunderstood or misrepresented, know this: you are not invisible. But being seen means being accountable. And being powerful means being informed.
About Dr. D Ivan Young
Dr. D Ivan Young is an ICF Master Certified Coach, NBC-HWC board-certified coach, and a renowned behavioral neuroscientist. He is a professional fellow at the Institute of Coaching (Harvard Medical School affiliate), a three-time TEDx speaker with over 4.9 million views, and a sought-after thought leader featured in CNN, FOX, MSNBC, ABC and major media outlets. His coaching practice serves high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, public figures, and executives committed to personal and professional transformation.
For media inquiries or to book Dr. Young, visit www.drdivanyoung.com or contact us at 877-508-2025.