Urgent Poll Reveals Only 4% Trust Trump on Tylenol, Autism Claims
UPDATE: A new poll highlights a significant distrust among Americans regarding claims made by former President Donald Trump, suggesting that taking Tylenol during pregnancy contributes to rising autism rates. The KFF poll reveals that only 4% of respondents believe these assertions are “definitely true,” while the majority, 30%, consider them probably false, and 35% say they are definitely false.
This urgent finding underscores a growing skepticism towards the Trump administration’s public health messaging. The claims, which have been dismissed by numerous experts as unverified and unproven, have polarized opinions. Among Democrats, a striking 59% view the assertions as definitely false, in stark contrast to just 12% of Republicans who share similar doubts.
The trust in health information also varies dramatically by party affiliation. A whopping 67% of Republicans express confidence in Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial health secretary, to provide reliable vaccine information, compared to a mere 13% among Democrats. This division reflects broader distrust in the administration’s health narratives.
Mainstream medical associations and the manufacturer of Tylenol assert that the medication is safe to use during pregnancy, denying any proven link to autism. The scientific literature on this relationship remains contentious, with many studies failing to establish a clear causal connection between acetaminophen and autism diagnoses. Experts attribute the increase in autism diagnoses to heightened awareness and evolving diagnostic criteria, not to medication use.
During a recent White House announcement, Trump reiterated several unfounded claims, including a controversial statement about autism rates in the Amish community being non-existent due to their limited use of modern medicine. He emphasized, “There’s something going on, and we have to address it,” despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
In a provocative statement, Kennedy criticized a viral TikTok video featuring a pregnant Columbia University professor taking Tylenol, suggesting it exemplifies a broader “Trump derangement syndrome.” He accused the professor of ignoring maternal instincts, emphasizing the need for caution in using pain relievers during pregnancy.
Health experts warn that avoiding acetaminophen can pose serious risks to infants, as it is one of the few pain relievers deemed safe for use during pregnancy. Despite the resounding skepticism from both the public and the medical community, Trump and Kennedy continue to promote their claims, raising concerns about the impact of misinformation on maternal and child health.
As this story develops, the implications of these claims on public health policy and trust in health communications remain critical. The ongoing debate highlights the urgent need for clarity and accuracy in health-related information, especially during such pivotal discussions affecting families.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
