Trump Warns Against Tylenol, Links Drug to Autism Risks

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding the use of Tylenol, suggesting that the medication poses significant risks for young children and pregnant women. In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, the former president reiterated his concerns about Tylenol and its potential link to autism, a claim he first made during a press conference on September 22, 2025, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In his October 26 post, Trump stated, “Pregnant Women, DON’T USE TYLENOL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, DON’T GIVE TYLENOL TO YOUR YOUNG CHILD FOR VIRTUALLY ANY REASON.” He emphasized that children should receive vaccines like the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) in separate doses rather than combined, contradicting current medical guidelines. The president also suggested that the Hepatitis B vaccine should be administered at age 12, rather than during infancy, where it is typically given in a series of three doses.

The implications of Trump’s remarks extend to potential financial repercussions for Tylenol’s parent company, Kenvue. Experts estimate that the company’s revenue could decline by as much as $100 million this year due to the negative public perception following Trump’s statements. His assertion that Tylenol could be linked to autism has reignited a longstanding debate, despite scientific consensus that no credible evidence supports such a connection.

Kenvue has publicly refuted Trump’s claims, stating, “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.” The company emphasized the importance of acetaminophen as a safe option for pain relief during pregnancy, highlighting the risks associated with untreated conditions like fever.

During the September press conference, Trump described the rise in autism diagnoses in the United States as “one of the most alarming medical crises in history,” citing a 400 percent increase over recent decades. He called for a reevaluation of the vaccination schedule and criticized the current protocols, despite the well-documented safety of vaccines and their lack of correlation with autism.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that autism prevalence has risen from one in 36 children to one in 31. While some advocacy groups have raised concerns about vaccine safety, leading medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to recommend Tylenol for pregnant women experiencing fever.

Amid the backlash, Trump’s comments have provoked a mixed response from public health experts. Some have expressed concern that his statements may lead to increased anxiety among parents regarding the safety of not only Tylenol but also vaccines. Crisis management expert Eric Schiffer noted that Trump’s remarks could lead to “scared checkout baskets” for Tylenol, predicting long-term financial impacts for the brand.

In response to the controversy, Kenvue has encouraged pregnant women to consult healthcare professionals before taking any medication, including acetaminophen. The company reinforced its commitment to notifying the public of the safety and efficacy of its products.

As this situation develops, the intersection of public health messaging and political discourse remains critical. Trump’s comments have reignited discussions surrounding vaccine safety and the role of over-the-counter medications in pregnancy, which may have significant implications for public health policy and consumer behavior in the coming months.