Trump, Autism and Tylenol: Science or Political Agenda?
Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked debate by linking Tylenol use during pregnancy with autism. What does science really say, and what risks does this political discourse pose for families? A critical analysis with voices from experts and parents.
Introduction
On September 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump, joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, and other officials, held a press conference (“bold new actions”) announcing new measures regarding autism.
Among the most controversial points: the claim that the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy could be associated with a higher risk of autism, as well as the approval of treatment with leucovorin for certain autism cases related to cerebral folate deficiency.
This article reviews what was actually said, what evidence exists, what experts think, and presents a critical perspective: is this an exaggeration? What are the real risks of this narrative?
What Was Said — Key Statements
Donald Trump
“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.”
“Taking Tylenol is not good, alright? I’ll say it. It’s not good. For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary.”
“Don’t take Tylenol.” / “Fight like hell not to take it.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
He stated that the HHS and FDA decision is based on “clinical and laboratory studies” that “suggest a potential association between acetaminophen used during pregnancy and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including one study in the public health journal Environmental Health.”
He added that the NIH is working on multiple hypotheses to investigate the causes of autism, which means not all roads point to acetaminophen, nor is there certainty of causality.
Other Physicians / Officials
Dr. Marty Makary (FDA Commissioner): “Some children suffering from autism are folate deficient within the brain — a problem that can be treated with leucovorin.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz (CMS Administrator): spoke about autism as something devastating for families, emphasizing that government action should deepen the understanding of known and unknown causes so that children can thrive.
The FDA itself acknowledged that:
There are clinical and laboratory studies suggesting an association between acetaminophen and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
There are also studies that show no association.
And that untreated fever during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.
What the Scientific Evidence Says So Far
Epidemiological studies have observed associations between prenatal acetaminophen use and increased diagnoses of autism and ADHD. But association does not mean causation. There are many possible confounding factors (fever, infections, genetics, underlying conditions).
A large study in Sweden with ~2.5 million children, when comparing exposed/unexposed siblings, showed that the supposed association nearly disappeared. This suggests maternal factors could explain much of the observed link.
Recent reviews show mixed results: some studies find weak associations, others find no significant link under stricter controls.
Regarding leucovorin: there is evidence it may improve speech and communication in cases of cerebral folate deficiency, but it is not a cure for autism and does not apply to all people on the spectrum.
What Has Not Been Proven
There is no definitive peer-reviewed evidence showing that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism.
The associations found are inconsistent and tend to weaken when more rigorous methods are applied.
No new, large, or conclusive studies were presented at the press conference—only policies and initiatives based on ongoing hypotheses.
Critical Reaction — What Is Concerning
The Autism Science Foundation stated that any association between acetaminophen and autism is based on limited, conflicting, and inconsistent science, and that it is premature to make strong recommendations.
Experts warn that focusing on these weak associations could generate unnecessary guilt among mothers who used Tylenol for fever or other medical reasons.
There is a risk of distracting attention from urgent debates: early diagnosis, therapies, adaptive education, real inclusion, and family support.
The Voice of a Jurist and Father: Eloy Viera Cañive
Cuban jurist Eloy Viera Cañive, father of an autistic child, reacted with a testimony that enriches this discussion by grounding it in everyday life.
“Autism is not a disease. Any political initiative that claims to have found ‘the cause’ without indisputable scientific basis delays more urgent debates. My son is brilliant in math and reading, but his teacher reports him as ‘underdeveloped.’ I don’t need to be told that the blame lies with the Tylenol my mother took in Cuba. I need society to learn to understand him, integrate him, and give him real opportunities. Hearing from the highest level of power that Tylenol is ‘no good’ makes me angry, because besides being unfounded, it unfairly fuels guilt in mothers and diverts the social and governmental responsibility we should actually be discussing.”
His statement reminds us that behind every statistic and speech are families carrying the weight of diagnoses, expectations, and often the lack of proper support.
Our Perspective
Association vs. Causation
What was presented are statistical correlations, not proven causation. Claiming that “Tylenol causes autism” is an unjustified leap.
Risk of Alarmism
Simplified messages from the presidency (“Don’t take Tylenol”) generate fear, abandonment of necessary treatments, and unfair guilt.
Transparency and Political Responsibility
It is positive to fund research and treatments like leucovorin. But the evidence must be public, peer-reviewed, and independently replicated.
The Context of Autism
Autism is a broad spectrum with multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Not all cases involve folate deficiency or prenatal acetaminophen exposure.
Serious health policy must address this diversity, not search for a single culprit.
Do Not Dismiss Other Possibilities
Focusing the debate on a single factor without solid evidence can obscure other real risks that should be studied:
The rise in substance abuse use in the U.S. since the 19xxs.
Alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy.
Vaping and new forms of nicotine consumption.
Radiation and prolonged exposure to wireless devices.
Other environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors not yet fully understood.
Social Responsibility
Blame should not be shifted onto mothers. Governments must guarantee educational, therapeutic, and social supports that allow autistic people to develop fully.
Conclusion
Research is legitimate and necessary. But announcing from the highest levels of power that a common medication “causes” autism, without conclusive evidence, is irresponsible and harmful.
What we need is:
Solid and transparent science.
Real educational and public health support policies.
Debates focused on how to guarantee rights and opportunities for autistic children and adults.
Ultimately: the origin of autism matters, but the present and future of those who live with it matters more.
Sources
Do you notice signs of autism or ADHD? We can guide you for free.
Get in touch
