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President Donald Trump on Monday urged pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol, saying they should “just fight like hell not to take it.” But his remarks quickly drew fire from doctors and autism researchers, who emphasized there’s no scientific proof that the pain reliever — also known as acetaminophen — causes autism.
Trump’s comments, delivered at the White House, mixed warnings about Tylenol, autism rates, vaccines, and newborn health. Many of his claims contradicted decades of medical research. Here’s a breakdown of the president’s remarks and the facts behind them.
Autism rates
Trump’s claim: Autism rates have surged more than 400%, from 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 31 children.
The facts: Rates have increased, but Trump exaggerated. In 2000, the CDC estimated 1 in 150 children had autism. In 2022, the figure was 1 in 31. Experts attribute the rise to expanded diagnostic criteria and greater awareness, not to medications.
Tylenol during pregnancy
Trump’s claim: Tylenol use in pregnancy is “associated with a very increased risk” of autism.
The facts: No causal link has been proven. Some observational studies have raised questions, but others have found no connection. The FDA recently advised doctors to “consider minimizing” acetaminophen use in pregnancy but did not issue a ban.
Doctors caution that untreated fevers during pregnancy are far more dangerous than Tylenol, raising risks of birth defects, miscarriage, and premature delivery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to recommend Tylenol as safe when used as directed.
Cuba and autism
Trump’s claim: Autism is rare in Cuba because Tylenol isn’t widely available.
The facts: False. Tylenol, known globally as paracetamol, is widely prescribed in Cuba. Autism is present and has gained visibility in recent years, with schools and awareness campaigns supporting children and families.
Autism in Amish communities
Trump’s claim: Amish children don’t develop autism because they avoid pills and vaccines.
The facts: Research confirms autism exists in Amish communities. While some families decline vaccines or medical care, many do not. Limited diagnosis in these communities makes prevalence difficult to measure, but cases are documented.
Vaccines and autism
Trump’s claim: Children receive “80 different vaccines” and should separate the MMR vaccine.
The facts: The CDC schedule protects against 18 diseases, totaling about three dozen doses by age 18. The combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot is the only option; no separate vaccines exist. Multiple large-scale studies across decades confirm vaccines do not cause autism.
Hepatitis B vaccine at birth
Trump’s claim: Babies don’t need the Hepatitis B shot at birth since the disease is sexually transmitted.
The facts: Infants can contract the virus during delivery from infected mothers or through early exposure in households. U.S. officials recommend vaccinating newborns within 24 hours of birth, a practice credited with sharply reducing infant infections.
Unproven autism treatments
Trump’s claim: A folic acid metabolite called leucovorin can substantially improve autism symptoms.
The facts: Preliminary research suggests leucovorin may help a small subset of patients, but experts stress that large-scale clinical trials are needed. No approved treatment currently cures autism.
Bottom line
Trump’s remarks on Tylenol, autism, and vaccines echo long-standing concerns promoted by anti-vaccine groups but lack scientific support. Major medical organizations maintain that acetaminophen remains safe for pregnant women when used appropriately — and that vaccines remain essential to protecting children’s health.
