What Did Trump Say About Autism? Inside the 2025 White House Announcement
On September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines with a sweeping announcement about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), calling for new research, treatment access, and public health warnings. Speaking from the White House, Trump linked prenatal Tylenol use to rising autism rates and unveiled a federal initiative aimed at expanding autism care and scientific investigation.
During the press briefing, Trump stated:
“Effective immediately, the FDA will notify physicians that acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be associated with a very increased risk of autism. Ideally, a woman won’t take Tylenol.”
He described the announcement as “one of the biggest medical revelations in the history of our country,” and emphasized that his administration would “not let it happen anymore.” Trump’s remarks were delivered alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, both of whom have advocated for deeper investigation into environmental and pharmaceutical factors linked to autism.
The Trump administration cited recent studies from institutions like Harvard University and Mount Sinai Hospital, which examined possible associations between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, leading health organizations—including the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Autism Science Foundation—have responded with caution.
The FDA issued a statement clarifying that while some studies suggest a potential link, no causal relationship has been proven, and further research is needed. Medical experts warn that discouraging Tylenol use could lead to untreated fever or pain during pregnancy, which may pose greater risks to fetal development.
In addition to the Tylenol warning, Trump announced that the FDA has approved a label update for leucovorin, a folinic acid drug previously used off-label to treat cerebral folate deficiency. The updated label now includes treatment for speech-related symptoms in children with autism.
Key points from the initiative:
Medicaid coverage for leucovorin will expand nationwide
NIH trials will study its long-term safety and effectiveness
The drug is not a cure, but may help improve speech and social behavior in select cases
Autism diagnoses have increased significantly over the past two decades. According to the CDC, 1 in 31 children born in 2022 were diagnosed with ASD, compared to 1 in 150 in 2000. Trump’s administration attributes part of this rise to environmental and pharmaceutical exposures, though most scientists cite expanded diagnostic criteria and greater awareness.
To address the growing concern, Trump announced a multi-agency autism research initiative, which will explore more than 30 potential causes, including:
Pharmaceutical exposure during pregnancy
Genetic predisposition
Environmental toxins
Vaccine scheduling (though Trump clarified this is a personal belief, not official policy)
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, issued a strong rebuttal:
“Independent, sound science clearly shows that acetaminophen does not cause autism. We are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”
Meanwhile, autism advocacy groups have expressed cautious optimism about increased funding and treatment access, while urging the administration to avoid spreading fear or misinformation.
President Trump’s statement about autism and Tylenol has reignited national debate over prenatal health, pharmaceutical safety, and autism research. While the administration promises bold reforms and expanded care, medical experts emphasize the need for evidence-based policy, scientific rigor, and clear communication.
As new studies unfold and treatments like leucovorin gain traction, families affected by autism are watching closely—hoping for clarity, compassion, and credible solutions.
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