Trump told reporters last night that he believed Tylenol was “a very big factor” in autism risk, despite a recent study finding that taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy was not tied to autism.
Asked to confirm reports that he planned to tie Tylenol to increased risk of autism, Trump said, “We’re going to see tomorrow.”
“We’re going to do it tomorrow, but I think it’s a very big factor,” he added.
Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, which can be used in other medications as well, including cold and flu drugs.
Trump also hinted at an autism announcement during his remarks at Kirk’s memorial, saying, “I think we found an answer to autism.”
A spokesperson for Kenvue, which makes Tylenol, emphasized in a statement that “we believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.”
“The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism,” the statement said.
Trump also expressed criticism of vaccines when asked whether he planned to announce a link between vaccines and autism. Scientific evidence does not show that the two things are linked.
“Vaccines are very interesting,” Trump told reporters. “They can be great, but when you put the wrong stuff in them, and, you know, children get these massive vaccines, like you’d give to a horse, like you’d give to a horse. And I’ve said for a long time, I mean, this is no secret.”
Vaccines, though, are widely considered to be safe and effective. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a history of falsely asserting that vaccines are related to autism risk.