Trump Ties Autism to Tylenol, Vaccines

US President Donald Trump on Monday stirred controversy by linking autism to both childhood vaccines and the use of Tylenol by pregnant women and children,claims that run counter to decades of scientific evidence.

In an unusual White House news conference, Trump, who repeatedly acknowledged, “I’m not a doctor,” nonetheless issued medical advice aimed at expectant mothers and parents. He urged them to avoid the common pain reliever acetaminophen, widely sold under the brand name Tylenol, saying: “Don’t take Tylenol. Fight like hell not to take it. There may be a point where you have to, and that you’ll have to work out with yourself, but don’t take Tylenol.”

His remarks sharply diverge from guidance provided by medical professionals and global health organizations. Numerous studies have confirmed that acetaminophen, when used properly, is safe for pregnant women and plays an important role in managing pain and fever. Major medical associations warn that discouraging its use could place mothers and unborn children at greater risk.

Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, rejected Trump’s claims ahead of his announcement. “Independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” the company said in a statement, expressing concern about the potential health risks such misinformation could cause. Following Trump’s comments, Kenvue’s stock fell more than 7 percent during trading but recovered part of those losses after hours.

The president also renewed skepticism toward vaccines, echoing a long-discredited theory linking them to autism. Standing beside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.a longtime vaccine critic,Trump called for a “reexamination” of the science surrounding childhood immunizations. He suggested several changes, including delaying the hepatitis B vaccine, which is normally administered within 24 hours of birth, until children reach the age of 12. He also recommended breaking up the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots.

Trump tempered his remarks by describing himself as a “big believer in vaccines,” highlighting his role in overseeing Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated the development of COVID-19 vaccines during his first term. Still, his proposals echoed earlier moments in his presidency when he made scientifically unsound recommendations, such as suggesting that disinfectants could be ingested to treat coronavirus,remarks later walked back by his allies.

Public health experts stress that Trump’s latest claims could undermine trust in proven medicines and vaccines. Decades of research show that vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective, having eradicated deadly childhood illnesses such as polio and measles in the United States. The World Health Organization estimates that essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives worldwide in the last 50 years.

Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, Trump’s statements are expected to energize vaccine skeptics and fuel broader debates around public health policy. Critics argue that casting doubt on routine immunizations and widely used medications could endanger public safety by discouraging evidence-based medical practices.