Trump claims acetaminophen in pregnancy raises autism risk – doctors push back

Trump’s surprising FDA announcement

During a press briefing, President Donald Trump declared that the Food and Drug Administration now believes taking acetaminophen while pregnant could substantially increase a child’s chance of developing autism. He said the agency would notify doctors right away and urged women to avoid the drug unless it was absolutely necessary. The claim sparked a flurry of questions from reporters who asked for the scientific basis behind the move.

Trump didn’t quote any FDA officials. Instead, he relayed a statement that sounded more like a presidential memo than a regulatory finding. "Effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism," he said, adding, "So, taking Tylenol is not good, alright?"

What the administration cited and why experts disagree

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. jumped in to back the president’s claim. He referenced a single article published in the journal Environmental Health, saying the study suggested a “potential association” between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Kennedy also noted that NIH researchers were “testing multiple hypotheses,” implying that the science was still evolving.

Scientists and clinicians, however, pointed out that the broader medical community has long regarded acetaminophen as the safest over‑the‑counter pain reliever for pregnant women when used at recommended doses. Multiple large‑scale epidemiological studies have found no clear causal link to autism, and systematic reviews continue to conclude that the drug’s benefits outweigh any speculative risks.

Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Tylenol, issued a statement denying any direct connection between its product and autism. The company stressed that its labeling follows FDA guidance and that it remains committed to the safety of pregnant consumers.

Beyond the acetaminophen controversy, Trump used the same platform to promote his own ideas on childhood vaccines. He suggested spacing out vaccine doses over several years and reducing the amount of each shot, despite lacking any supporting data. When pressed, he admitted the remarks were his personal opinions, not medical advice.

Dr. Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist known for researching autism treatments, was also mentioned. He clarified that while a compound called Leucovorin isn’t a cure, it might help a subset of children with autism. The president’s brief nod to the drug was not tied to the acetaminophen discussion, but it added another layer of medical speculation to the briefing.

Medical ethicists warn that high‑profile political statements about drug safety can create panic. Pregnant women who rely on acetaminophen for fever or pain relief might now face unnecessary anxiety, potentially turning to less proven alternatives. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has urged clinicians to continue recommending acetaminophen when indicated, emphasizing that no official FDA guidance has changed.