Minnesota state lawmaker Justin Eichorn, who recently introduced a controversial bill to classify "Trump derangement syndrome" as a mental illness, has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor. The arrest took place on Tuesday when Eichorn believed he was communicating with a 17-year-old female, who was in fact an undercover detective from the Bloomington, Minnesota police department. Eichorn, a Republican and one of five authors of the bill, now faces serious charges that have prompted calls for his resignation.
The term "Trump derangement syndrome" is often wielded by supporters of former President Donald Trump to suggest that liberals are obsessed with him to the point of mental instability. The bill Eichorn introduced defines the syndrome as "the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J Trump." This proposed classification has sparked significant backlash for trivializing mental health issues.
State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy criticized the legislation as "possibly the worst bill in Minnesota history." Murphy also described it as "an affront to free speech and an expression of a dangerous level of loyalty to an authoritarian president," highlighting the broader political implications and controversies surrounding the bill.
Following the arrest, the Minnesota Senate GOP expressed shock and called for Eichorn's resignation. In a statement, they emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family." Eichorn, who is married with four children according to his biography on the Minnesota Senate website, faces significant personal and professional challenges in light of these developments.
The Republican Party of Minnesota echoed the call for Eichorn's resignation, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The incident has not only cast a shadow over his political career but also raised questions about accountability and integrity among public officials.