Barack Obama Condemns Trump’s Tylenol and Autism Claims as Misleading

President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from former President Barack Obama after Trump claimed that taking Tylenol, the U.S. version of paracetamol, during pregnancy leads to autism in babies. Obama accused Trump of “undermining public health” and “violence against the truth” for making unfounded assertions about the drug.

In a recent statement, Trump asserted that “certain groups of people who don’t take vaccines or any pills have no autism,” then turned to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., asking, “Is that a correct statement?” He also announced plans for the FDA to issue new guidelines for doctors, emphasizing that while avoiding Tylenol is ideal, it should be used safely when necessary.

The World Health Organization (WHO) promptly responded, noting that “there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a link between autism and acetaminophen use.” WHO highlighted that autism spectrum disorder affects nearly 62 million people globally, with causes still being explored and multiple factors involved.

During a sit-down with historian David Olusoga in London, Obama criticized Trump’s statements, arguing that the claim about Tylenol causing autism is repeatedly disproven. He warned that such claims could harm pregnant women and create unnecessary anxiety for parents, while also pointing out that autism diagnoses have expanded due to broader criteria.

Tylenol representatives refuted Trump’s claims, stating that the medication is “one of the most studied drugs in history” and remains safe when used as directed. They stressed that decades of research, supported by medical professionals, confirm no credible connection between acetaminophen and autism. The company reiterated that acetaminophen is widely recommended for pain and fever relief during pregnancy, with guidance to consult doctors for appropriate use.