Trump's Controversial Claim: Tylenol Use During Pregnancy Linked to Autism

In a recent press briefing, President Donald Trump made a controversial claim linking the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to autism, a statement that has drawn significant criticism from health experts. He urged women to limit Tylenol intake unless necessary and suggested that the FDA would notify doctors about potential risks. Trump's remarks also touched on broader vaccine concerns and included unverified claims about autism rates in the Amish community. Medical organizations maintain that acetaminophen is safe when used correctly during pregnancy. This article delves into the implications of Trump's statements and the response from the medical community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2025, 07:22 IST

Trump's Statement on Tylenol and Autism

In a surprising assertion, President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that the pain reliever Tylenol (acetaminophen) taken during pregnancy may be linked to autism, a claim that has been met with skepticism from health experts.

During a press briefing at the White House, Trump stated, "Using Tylenol is not advisable. I’ll say it. Not good." He urged women to limit their use of Tylenol during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

He further indicated that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would inform healthcare providers that acetaminophen "can be associated" with an increased risk of autism. "Ideally, you should avoid it altogether," he cautioned, advising parents against administering Tylenol "every time" a child receives vaccinations.

Connecting his comments to wider vaccine concerns, Trump remarked, "I would suggest waiting until the child is 12 years old and fully developed" before proceeding with childhood vaccinations. He also claimed that "The Amish community has virtually no autism cases."

Additionally, Trump mentioned leucovorin, a type of folic acid, as a potential treatment for autism symptoms. However, medical organizations assert that acetaminophen is safe for pregnant women when used appropriately. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that it can be taken for pain or fever if prescribed correctly. To date, the FDA has not provided any scientific evidence to support Trump's assertions or issued new guidelines for healthcare professionals.