US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that taking Tylenol, or acetaminophen, during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism. Speaking from the White House, he urged women to avoid the medication throughout pregnancy unless medically necessary.

He said, “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."

Trump added that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would begin informing doctors that Tylenol use “can be associated” with an increased risk of autism.

Vaccines and Autism

Additionally, Trump made unproven claims linking vaccines to rising autism rates in the US. Speaking about childhood vaccinations, he said, “I would say, wait until the baby is 12 years old and formed.”

However, the president did not provide any new studies or evidence to support these claims.

Government Response and Autism Research

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism currently affects at least 1 in 31 children in the US.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who joined Trump at the press conference, said he would lead an “all-agency” effort to investigate the causes of autism. This initiative will involve the National Institutes of Health, the FDA, the CDC, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, following the directions of President Trump.

Background and Public Health Campaign

Trump’s announcement is part of the administration’s broader public health efforts, driven by Kennedy’s ‘Make America Health Again’ campaign. The initiative aims to reshape America’s approach to public health and research on autism.

Earlier, Trump hinted at the announcement during a memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, saying,“I think we found an answer to autism."

The claims have drawn criticism from medical experts, who note that there is no scientific evidence linking Tylenol or vaccines to autism.

Implications

Trump’s statements may influence public perception of autism and vaccine safety, despite the lack of supporting research. Meanwhile, government agencies are expected to continue investigating autism causes under the new directive from the White House.