Trump Claims Tylenol Use in Pregnancy May Trigger Autism: What the Science Says
In a bold move that has stirred both support and skepticism, President Donald Trump announced on September 22, 2025, that Tylenol use during pregnancy could be linked to increased rates of autism in children. Flanked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump called for immediate changes to medical guidelines and drug labeling.
Trump’s Warning to Pregnant Women
During the White House briefing, Trump stated:
“Taking Tylenol is not good. I’ll say it. It’s not good.”
He urged pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen unless treating high fever, and announced that the FDA would issue new safety communications to doctors nationwide. The administration also unveiled plans to promote leucovorin as a treatment for autism-related speech delays.
What Research Actually Shows
While some studies have found a possible association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, experts emphasize that no causal link has been proven. Many researchers argue that underlying health conditions requiring Tylenol—such as infection or inflammation—may be the real risk factors.
Leading medical bodies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Autism Science Foundation, have criticized the announcement, warning that it could mislead the public and undermine trust in safe medications.
Leucovorin: A New Autism Treatment?
Trump’s team also promoted leucovorin, a folinic acid supplement, as a promising therapy for children with autism. The FDA updated the drug’s label to include treatment for cerebral folate deficiency, a condition linked to speech and social delays in some children with ASD.
Medicaid will now cover leucovorin prescriptions for eligible children, though experts caution that the drug is not a cure and should be used under medical supervision.
Industry Fallout and Public Response
The announcement triggered a brief drop in Kenvue’s stock, the company behind Tylenol. In response, Kenvue stated:
“There is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise.”
Public reaction has been mixed, with some praising Trump’s push for answers and others warning against politicizing medical science.
President Trump’s claim that Tylenol may cause autism has reignited debate over prenatal health and neurodevelopment. While the administration pushes forward with new treatments and research funding, medical experts urge caution and clarity. The science remains unsettled—and the stakes are high.
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