Trump's Tylenol and Autism Remarks Spark Expert Skepticism

Mon Oct 20 2025 21:27:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Recent statements by Donald Trump suggesting a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism have raised eyebrows among experts, who emphasize the need for careful interpretation of existing studies.

Donald Trump plans to link the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to autism during an event in the Oval Office, eliciting skepticism from health experts. While some studies suggest a potential connection, they also confirm the lack of concrete evidence proving causation. Tylenol, or acetaminophen, remains widely regarded as a safe pain reliever for expectant mothers, which reinforces the concern over Trump's potentially misleading claims.

Trump officials are expected to link the use of pain reliever Tylenol in pregnant women to autism, according to US media reports.

At an Oval Office event on Monday, the US President will reportedly advise pregnant women in the US to only take Tylenol, known as paracetamol elsewhere, to relieve high fevers.

During the Charlie Kirk memorial service on Sunday, Trump hinted at an “amazing” announcement concerning autism, claiming it was “out of control” but suggesting there may now be an explanation.

While some studies suggest a correlation between pregnant women taking Tylenol and autism, findings are inconsistent and do not establish that the drug causes autism.

Tylenol is widely used in the US, Canada, and other countries, with its active ingredient acetaminophen being held as the safest option for pain relief during pregnancy. Its manufacturer, Kenvue, has strongly defended the drug against suggestions of a link to autism.

In a statement, Kenvue emphasized that independent research shows acetaminophen does not cause autism and expressed concern over the implications such claims can have for the health of expecting mothers.

The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet commented on the matter, but experts warn that identifying the causes of autism — a complex syndrome influenced by various genetic and environmental factors — is not straightforward.

Autism diagnoses have sharply increased since 2000, with 2020 figures indicating that 2.77% of 8-year-olds in the US had the diagnosis, according to the CDC. Researchers attribute some of this rise to heightened awareness and shifts in diagnostic criteria rather than solely to environmental triggers.

Despite calls for more research and testing, experts stress that Tylenol remains a critical option for managing maternal pain and fever, emphasizing the importance of balanced discourse regarding its use.

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