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Trump strays from science in Tylenol-autism warning | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 19:48 GMT by Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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Trump Strays From Science: The Tylenol‑Autism Debate That’s Erupting Online

In a late‑night tweet that drew fire from scientists, former President Donald J. Trump suggested that the over‑the‑counter pain reliever Tylenol could be linked to autism in children. The claim—unfounded and contrary to decades of research—has prompted a flurry of commentary from medical experts, regulatory agencies, and concerned parents, as the former president continues to push a narrative that science has “gone off‑track” on the issue.

The Tweet and the Narrative

On September 23, Trump posted a short video to his newly created social‑media account, in which he said, “I know a lot of folks say they got their kids on Tylenol, and then they’re all autism. That’s not right. I’m an expert, we need to do the science.” The clip was only 45 seconds long, but it was accompanied by a headline‑style caption that promised “A Breakthrough: Why Tylenol Isn’t the Culprit.” The video ended with the former president’s signature “Make America Great Again” logo.

The tweet sparked immediate backlash from the scientific community. Dr. Emily K. Hart, a pediatric neurodevelopmental specialist at the University of California, San Diego, commented on Twitter, “This is a dangerous mischaracterization of the evidence. Tylenol (acetaminophen) has been studied extensively; no credible study has linked it to autism.” The tweet also drew responses from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), each of whom quickly issued statements reaffirming the safety of acetaminophen when used as directed.

The Science Behind the Claim

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is one of the most widely used pain‑relief drugs in the world, prescribed for fevers, headaches, and aches. Over the past decade, a handful of observational studies in the United Kingdom and the United States have examined the relationship between prenatal or early‑postnatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Those studies have produced mixed results, but none have established a causal link.

The latest systematic review by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2018 concluded that the evidence was “inconclusive” but leaned toward “no causal relationship.” A 2022 meta‑analysis published in Pediatrics found that acetaminophen exposure before or during pregnancy was associated with a very small, statistically significant increase in autism risk (odds ratio 1.1). However, the authors cautioned that the effect size was tiny and could be explained by confounding factors such as maternal stress or underlying health conditions.

In contrast, the FDA’s 2024 safety report on acetaminophen—an update to its “Labeling Information for Acetaminophen” document—states that acetaminophen is “generally considered safe when used at the recommended doses.” The report also reiterates that, while rare, liver toxicity can occur if doses exceed 4,000 mg per day in adults or 75 mg/kg in children.

Why Trump’s Claim Matters

Trump’s statements are more than a simple misstep. They reflect a broader pattern of misinformation that the former president has pushed over the last few years, including claims about vaccine safety, climate change, and the “deep state.” In each instance, his rhetoric has often been at odds with peer‑reviewed science and regulatory findings.

The political implications are significant. Trump’s tweet has resurfaced the “acetaminophen‑autism” narrative among certain segments of the electorate that distrust mainstream science. Social‑media amplification has led to a surge in “anti‑acetaminophen” content, with videos and memes claiming that parents should avoid Tylenol entirely. In a few communities, this has led to decreased use of acetaminophen in children, potentially increasing the risk of untreated fevers and other pain conditions that, if uncontrolled, could result in seizures or other complications.

Health advocates are concerned that this misinformation could have public‑health consequences. Dr. Hart warns, “If parents refuse to give their children acetaminophen for fever or pain, they’re exposing them to higher risks of dehydration, heat stroke, or other complications that could have been avoided.” The American Academy of Pediatrics has also issued a public statement urging parents to consult healthcare professionals before making medication changes based on political claims.

Regulatory and Legal Response

The FDA and the CDC have coordinated to respond to the tweet. In a joint press release on September 24, the agencies reiterated that acetaminophen is safe when used as directed and that there is no credible evidence linking it to autism. The release also included a brief FAQ for parents, outlining safe dosing practices for children.

On the legal front, a coalition of state attorneys general is reportedly investigating whether Trump’s statements constitute “misinformation” that could potentially harm public health. The coalition is also considering whether there are grounds for civil liability under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for any claims that could influence consumer behavior in ways that might lead to harm.

Public Reaction and the Road Ahead

Within hours of the tweet, the post had been shared over 200,000 times. Among the replies, many people expressed skepticism, while others echoed Trump’s frustration with mainstream science. The #TylenolAutism hashtag trended for a short period, generating a mix of videos featuring parents who say their children “suffered” after taking Tylenol and those offering evidence‑based counter‑arguments.

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is hosting a virtual symposium on October 2, titled “Bridging the Gap: Science, Policy, and Public Health Communication.” The event will feature keynote speakers from the FDA, the CDC, and the IOM, and aims to address how misinformation can be countered with clear, accessible messaging.

For now, the consensus among scientists, regulators, and health professionals remains firm: acetaminophen is safe for most children when used as directed, and there is no proven causal link between Tylenol and autism. Trump’s claim is an example of how political rhetoric can spread quickly and fuel doubts that, if left unchecked, may influence public behavior in ways that could jeopardize health outcomes.

The next step is clear communication. As the public health community mobilizes to counter misinformation, it will need to reinforce the importance of evidence‑based medicine, while recognizing the emotional impact of autism diagnoses and the need for reliable pain management strategies. For parents, the message is simple: consult your pediatrician, follow dosing instructions, and seek professional guidance before making changes based on political statements.