President Trump’s Claims About Acetaminophen and Autism Spark Global Backlash

During a recent press conference, President Donald Trump made a controversial statement suggesting that using acetaminophen during pregnancy could increase the risk of children developing autism spectrum disorder. This claim has sparked significant concern among medical professionals and led to a strong response from the manufacturer of Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain and reduce fevers. The president advised pregnant women to avoid the drug unless they “can’t tough it out.” He reportedly said, “Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside. Don’t take it. You’ll be uncomfortable. It won’t be as easy, maybe. But don’t take it. If you’re pregnant, don’t take Tylenol.”

In addition to his comments on acetaminophen, Trump also suggested that parents should space out vaccines given to their children, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

FDA Updates Labeling for Acetaminophen

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that it would begin updating the label for acetaminophen. The new label will include a warning that use by pregnant women “may be associated with an increased risk of neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD in children.”

However, the FDA also sent a letter to U.S. doctors emphasizing that acetaminophen remains the safest over-the-counter option for pain and fever during pregnancy. The agency noted that while some studies have linked acetaminophen to autism, a causal relationship has not been established. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated, “There are contrary studies in the scientific literature.”

Tylenol Responds to Concerns

Tylenol, the brand name for acetaminophen, responded to the media coverage and Trump’s statements on Tuesday. The company emphasized that their medication has been widely studied and is safe when used as directed. Their statement read: “For generations, families have trusted TYLENOL when it matters most. Tylenol is one of the most studied medications in history—and is safe when used as directed by expecting mothers, infants and children.”

They highlighted that over a decade of research, endorsed by leading medical professionals, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. Tylenol also stressed that high fevers and pain can pose risks to a pregnancy if left untreated, especially in the first trimester. They advised individuals to consult their doctor before making any decisions about medication use.

Medical Community Criticizes the Statements

Several medical professionals have strongly criticized the remarks made by the Trump administration. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists President, Steven Fleischman, called the comments “not backed by the full body of scientific evidence.” He added that the remarks “dangerously simplify the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children.”

The American Psychiatric Association also issued a statement, noting that autism is a complex disorder and that it is incorrect to imply that a few studies have established causation. They emphasized that acetaminophen, when taken as directed, is safe for use during pregnancy.

International Reactions

Health officials in the United Kingdom have also expressed concerns about Trump’s comments. The U.K.’s health secretary, Wes Streeting, told ITV’s Lorraine Kelly that expectant mothers should not pay “any attention whatsoever” to Trump’s remarks. He stated, “I trust doctors over President Trump.”

Steffen Thirstrup, chief medical officer of the European Medicines Agency, confirmed that paracetamol (the equivalent of acetaminophen in the U.K.) remains an important option for treating pain or fever in pregnant women. He emphasized that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.

The World Health Organization spokesperson, Tarik Jašarević, noted that evidence of a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism remains inconsistent. Australia’s chief medical officer also rejected claims regarding the use of paracetamol in pregnancy and the risk of autism in children.

Mónica García Gómez, Spain’s health minister, accused Trump of ignoring medical science, stating that “denialism not only destroys trust in science: it puts lives at risk.”

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