Trump’s Remarks at White House
At a White House news conference, President Donald Trump repeated unfounded claims about the causes of autism, telling pregnant women: “Don’t take Tylenol.” He linked the pain reliever, also known as acetaminophen, and childhood vaccines to autism — despite decades of research showing no proven connection.
Trump said the FDA would begin notifying doctors that acetaminophen “can be associated” with autism. But he cited no new studies to support the claim.
Medical Experts Reject Trump’s Warnings
Health experts sharply condemned the Trump autism claims:
- Art Caplan, bioethicist at NYU, called the remarks “the saddest display of rumors, old myths, lies, and dangerous advice ever witnessed from a leader.”
- The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reaffirmed that Tylenol remains a safe option for pregnant women to treat fever and pain.
- Kenvue Inc., the maker of Tylenol, denied any link and warned that discouraging its use could push women toward riskier alternatives.
Shares of Kenvue dropped 7.5% following Trump’s comments, wiping out $2.6 billion in market value.
What Science Says About Tylenol
Some small studies have explored possible links between acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism. But most have found no clear evidence, experts stress.
- High fever in early pregnancy is itself a risk factor for complications, making it difficult to separate cause and effect.
- Scientists emphasize that autism develops in the fetal brain, not after birth through medicine use.
Trump and Vaccine Myths
Alongside his Tylenol warning, Trump suggested spacing out childhood vaccines to reduce autism risk — echoing claims long pushed by anti-vaccine activists, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
But decades of rigorous research have shown no causal link between vaccines and autism. Health authorities warn that delaying shots could leave children vulnerable to dangerous diseases.
Administration Pushes Autism Research
Trump and Kennedy announced a new all-agency effort to investigate possible causes of autism, including:
- Environmental exposures.
- Genetic factors.
- A potential role for folate metabolism.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said the agency is exploring use of leucovorin, a folate-boosting therapy, as a potential treatment for some autism cases. Small international studies have suggested modest benefits, but experts stress that larger clinical trials are needed.
Autism in the U.S.
According to the CDC, autism now affects 1 in 31 American children. The rise is largely attributed to:
- Expanded diagnostic criteria.
- Better screening and awareness.
Experts say no single cause exists — and warn that politicized claims risk undermining trust in science and public health.
The Bigger Picture
The Trump autism claims highlight his long-standing skepticism about vaccines, even as he once championed COVID-19 vaccine rollout. His administration, shaped by Kennedy’s influence, has rolled back vaccine guidance at the CDC and shifted health policy in ways that alarm many medical professionals.
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