Trump’s Tylenol Claim Sparks Global Backlash From Scientists, Obama, and Public Health Officials
The moment former President Donald Trump took the podium this week, something felt off. His confident tone clashed sharply with the content of his remarks—a controversial and scientifically unsupported claim that stunned the medical community and reignited fears long dismissed by experts.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Trump asserted that taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in unborn children—a statement that triggered immediate and widespread backlash, not only from public health officials but also from former President Barack Obama.
“There are certain groups of people who don’t take vaccines or pills, and they don’t have autism,” Trump said.
Turning to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he added, “Is that correct?”
He then announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would soon release updated guidance to physicians, warning against Tylenol use during pregnancy. “Ideally, you don’t take it at all,” he said. “But if you can’t tough it out, if there’s a problem, you’re going to end up doing it.”
Scientific Community Rejects Claim
Health professionals were quick to refute Trump’s assertion. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement directly contradicting his claim, reaffirming that:
“There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.”
The WHO emphasized that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors, and that no single medication has been definitively tied to its onset. Autism now affects over 62 million people globally, and experts warn that statements like Trump’s only further stigmatize the condition and those living with it.
Obama Responds: “Violence Against the Truth”
Former President Barack Obama, appearing at London’s O2 Arena for a live discussion with historian David Olusoga, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Trump’s remarks.
“We have the spectacle of my successor making broad claims about drugs and autism that have been continuously disproved,” Obama told the crowd of 14,000.
He described the statement as a form of “violence against the truth,” warning that it threatens public health and sows fear among pregnant women and families of autistic children. He also pointed out that much of the rise in autism diagnoses stems from improved diagnostic tools and expanded criteria, allowing more individuals to receive proper support and care—not from a sudden change in prenatal drug use.
Tylenol’s Manufacturer Defends Safety Record
The makers of Tylenol swiftly responded, issuing a clear and strongly worded defense of their product’s safety profile:
“Tylenol is one of the most extensively studied medications in history. Over a decade of rigorous scientific research, supported by independent medical experts, confirms there is no credible evidence connecting acetaminophen to autism.”
The company added that untreated pain and high fevers during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, pose real and measurable risks to both the mother and developing fetus. They encouraged pregnant women to follow medical advice rather than political rhetoric.
The Bigger Issue: Misinformation and Trust in Science
Trump’s remarks have reopened a debate that many health experts believe should have been closed years ago. But beyond the controversy over a specific drug, the incident highlights a deeper concern: the growing mistrust of science and medical institutions—fueled in part by public figures who make sweeping claims without evidence.
In a time when public health guidance is already under intense scrutiny, statements like these can cause serious harm. They have the power to distort perceptions, influence behavior, and deepen divisions between evidence-based medicine and misinformation.
Final Thoughts
The controversy over Tylenol and autism isn’t just about a pain reliever—it’s about the responsibility of leadership in shaping public health narratives. As institutions scramble to reassure anxious parents and correct misleading claims, one truth remains clear: when trust in science is eroded from the top down, the consequences ripple through society in dangerous and lasting ways.