Is Trump misleading the World with his autism and tylenol claims? What to know
Donald Trump. Picture: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump declared autism a “public health crisis” and urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, citing unproven claims that the painkiller is linked to autism. Speaking alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump also questioned long-established vaccine schedules, sparking alarm among health experts worldwide.
UK Health Secretary: “Ignore Trump’s Claims”
Britain’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting strongly dismissed Trump’s remarks, telling ITV: “There is no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children. None.” Streeting cited a major 2024 Swedish study involving 2.4 million children that found no connection. He urged the public to trust medical science and the NHS over political rhetoric.
Streeting further warned that comments like Trump’s risk fueling unnecessary anxiety among expectant mothers and could push some to avoid safe treatments. “Spreading fear about medicines without evidence is dangerous,” he added, noting that misinformation can lead to poor health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Medical Experts Warn of “Fearmongering”
Global experts have condemned Trump’s claims as “irresponsible” and “dangerous.” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stressed there is no scientific basis for linking paracetamol to autism. Similarly, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency reaffirmed that paracetamol is safe when taken as directed, including during pregnancy.
What Does Science Actually Say About Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. According to the CDC, 1 in 31 U.S. children are diagnosed with autism, though experts note rising figures reflect broader awareness and diagnostic criteria, not a surge in actual incidence.
Major studies, including the 2024 Swedish research, show no causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism. Claims connecting vaccines such as MMR to autism have also been repeatedly debunked.
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Trump’s Other Claims: Cuba, Amish and Vaccines
Trump suggested that Cuba has “virtually no autism” because of limited Tylenol access, a claim contradicted by Cuban health data showing autism diagnoses and treatment programs. He also highlighted the Amish community, implying their low medication use correlates with low autism rates. Experts argue these examples lack scientific credibility and ignore healthcare and diagnostic differences.
He further revived outdated concerns about vaccine schedules, advising hepatitis B shots be delayed until age 12 and MMR vaccines given separately. These assertions clash with decades of global research showing combination vaccines are safe and effective.
Rising Concerns Over Public Health
Doctors warn that misinformation from political leaders risks undermining public trust in vaccines and safe medicines. The U.S. is already battling its highest measles outbreaks in over 30 years, linked to declining vaccination rates driven by misinformation. Experts caution that Trump’s remarks could worsen vaccine hesitancy and endanger children.
SEO FAQ: What People Are Asking
Q1: Did Trump say Tylenol causes autism?
Yes. Trump suggested acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy may cause autism, but medical experts stress there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Q2: Is there any proven link between paracetamol and autism?
No. Large-scale studies, including a 2024 Swedish study of 2.4 million children, found no association between prenatal paracetamol use and autism.
Q3: Why are experts criticizing Trump’s autism announcement?
Doctors and scientists argue Trump is spreading misinformation that could cause pregnant women to avoid safe medications and fuel vaccine hesitancy.
Q4: What did Wes Streeting say about Trump’s autism claims?
The UK Health Secretary said the public should “ignore” Trump’s comments and rely on medical science, noting no evidence links paracetamol to autism.
Q5: Does Cuba have no autism as Trump claimed?
No. Cuba recognises autism spectrum disorder and has schools and clinics for children with autism. Paracetamol is also available in Cuban pharmacies.
Q6: What causes autism according to science?
Autism is linked to complex genetic and developmental factors. Environmental influences such as prenatal health and air quality may play a role, but no single cause has been proven.
Q7: Is autism on the rise in the U.S.?
Diagnosis rates are increasing, but experts say this reflects broader awareness and expanded diagnostic criteria, not necessarily a surge in cases.
Q8: What is the medical community’s stance on vaccines and autism?
The vaccine-autism link has been thoroughly debunked. The CDC and WHO confirm vaccines like MMR are safe and do not cause autism.
Q9: Should pregnant women avoid Tylenol?
Doctors recommend pregnant women consult their physicians. Used as directed, paracetamol remains one of the safest options for managing fever and pain during pregnancy.
Q10: What risks come from spreading autism misinformation?
Experts warn that misinformation can fuel vaccine hesitancy, discourage safe medication use, and lead to public health crises like measles outbreaks.
