Trump and RFK Jr. Announce Controversial Link Between Tylenol and Autism
Big Reveal Teased After Charlie Kirk Memorial
Donald Trump teased a major medical announcement about autism during Charlie Kirk’s memorial on September 21. The following day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would speak at 4:00 p.m.
Reports circulated ahead of the conference suggesting the two leaders would link autism in America to Tylenol. Leavitt urged the public to listen with “open ears” and avoid jumping to conclusions, according to the BBC.
Trump told attendees at Kirk’s service:
“Tomorrow we are going to have the biggest medical announcement in the history of the country… I think you’re going to find it amazing. We have an answer to autism.”
Understanding Autism
Autism affects how people experience and interact with the world. According to the UK’s National Autistic Society, it is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. People with autism think, feel, and communicate differently from non-autistic individuals.
Autistic people may find socializing confusing or tiring, feel overwhelmed in loud environments, or rely on routines and repeated movements to cope. Masking discomfort to fit in can lead to mental health challenges.
What is Tylenol?
Tylenol is a widely used painkiller in the US, containing acetaminophen (paracetamol in other countries) as its main ingredient. People use it to relieve pain and reduce fever. The drug works by raising the body’s pain threshold and helping eliminate excess heat.
Trump’s Claims on Autism and Tylenol
Trump claimed that autism once affected one in 10,000 children, but now it impacts one in 31 in certain areas of the US. He suggested that Tylenol use might contribute to this rise.
The president said the FDA now “strongly recommends” that pregnant women limit Tylenol use unless medically necessary. Trump personally advised that expectant mothers avoid the drug entirely:
“I think you shouldn’t take it, and you shouldn’t take it during the entire pregnancy. You shouldn’t give the child Tylenol either,” he said, per The Telegraph.
Tylenol Responds
Tylenol issued a statement before Trump’s announcement, denying any link to autism.
“Independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” the company said. It added that it “strongly disagrees with any suggestion otherwise” and warned about potential health risks for expecting mothers.