Trump to Announce Autism-Tylenol Link; Experts Urge Caution
BREAKING: President Donald Trump is set to announce a controversial claim linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism risk in a news conference today at 4:00 PM local time (2000 GMT). As excitement builds, leading scientists caution that current research does not support this assertion.
Trump’s announcement comes amid a push by his health advisor, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long advocated for alternative narratives surrounding autism. Earlier this year, Kennedy promised to reveal findings on autism’s causes by September 2025. Today, he hinted at a potential breakthrough, stating, “I think we found an answer to autism, how about that?” during an event honoring slain activist Charlie Kirk.
This anticipated focus on acetaminophen—an ingredient in Tylenol—has raised alarms among medical experts. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has classified Tylenol as one of the safest pain relief options for pregnant individuals. Doctors are already concerned about the implications of long-term use, and the announcement may provoke widespread backlash.
In recent weeks, reports surfaced that the Trump administration hired David Geier, a discredited physician known for his anti-vaccine stance, to lead the research initiative. Critics argue this could undermine the integrity of the findings. The Coalition of Autism Scientists condemned the upcoming announcement, labeling it “highly irresponsible” and likely to incite confusion and fear among the public.
Experts emphasize the need for caution. A recent literature review acknowledged a potential link between Tylenol exposure and autism but underscored that further investigation is essential. Dr. David Mandell from the University of Pennsylvania noted that the risks of taking Tylenol during pregnancy appear to be lower than the risks posed by untreated infections.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged journalists to reserve judgment until the announcement is made. She stated, “Everyone in this room needs to tone down the judgment before you even hear what people are going to say.”
Media reports suggest that the presentation might also discuss a potential treatment for autism involving the drug leucovorin, which has shown some promise but requires extensive further research.
As the clock ticks down to the press conference, the stakes are high. The administration’s push for a causal link between Tylenol and autism raises significant ethical concerns, with many experts arguing that it could lead to misleading public health advice.
Stay tuned for live updates as this developing story unfolds. Will Trump’s announcement change the narrative around autism, or will it spark further controversy?
