Trump Sparks Outrage Linking Tylenol Use in Pregnancy to Autism

President Donald Trump has once again ignited controversy, this time by claiming a direct link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. The remarks, made during a press conference on September 22, 2025, were supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Trump urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol “unless absolutely necessary” and announced that the FDA will issue warnings to healthcare providers.

The administration also promoted leucovorin, a folate-related drug, as a possible treatment for autism. Early-stage studies have suggested limited potential, but experts caution that these findings are preliminary and far from conclusive.

Expert Pushback

Medical experts swiftly rejected Trump’s claims as unsupported by scientific evidence. Leading organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), reiterated that acetaminophen remains one of the safest pain relief options during pregnancy when taken as directed.

A major Swedish study published in 2024 analyzed 2.5 million births and found no causal link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism or ADHD. Researchers noted that earlier associations were often explained by genetic factors or underlying maternal health conditions, rather than acetaminophen use itself.

Dr. Emily Oster, a well-known health economist and pregnancy researcher, stressed: “Correlation is not causation. Suggesting Tylenol directly causes autism risks misleading millions of families.”

Public Health Concerns

Doctors warn that Trump’s announcement could lead to unintended health consequences. Pregnant women avoiding acetaminophen altogether may face risks from untreated fevers, infections, or severe pain—conditions that can pose greater dangers to both mother and baby than the medication itself.

Additionally, misinformation may drive some women toward unsafe alternatives, increasing the likelihood of complications. Critics argue that promoting leucovorin as a treatment without sufficient evidence also fuels false hope in families affected by autism.

Political and Scientific Tensions

This latest episode highlights the growing clash between political messaging and scientific consensus. Trump, who has a history of questioning vaccines and mainstream medical guidance, framed his remarks as “common sense” and accused experts of ignoring “obvious truths.”

Public health advocates countered that such rhetoric undermines trust in science and could erode confidence in evidence-based medicine. The FDA’s forthcoming review will likely determine whether product labels or prescribing guidelines change, but experts emphasize that no immediate restriction on Tylenol use is justified.

The Bottom Line

While Trump’s claim has drawn massive attention, the medical community remains united: there is currently no proven link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. Researchers call for careful interpretation of data and urge expectant mothers to consult their doctors before making decisions about medication.

As the debate unfolds, the controversy underscores the importance of relying on rigorous science, not political soundbites, when shaping public health policy.