Doctor’s health warning to anyone that takes paracetamol as Trump makes bombshell autism claim

Donald Trump has once again caused controversy with comments about health and medicine. While speaking at a funeral in Arizona, instead of focusing on the service, he started talking about what he called “the biggest medical announcement in the history of the country.” He suggested that autism might be linked to Tylenol (paracetamol in the UK) when taken by pregnant women or young children.

The next day, at a press conference with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Trump repeated the claim, adding that vaccines could also be a cause of autism. He described autism as one of the most alarming public health issues and said that too many vaccines and medications were being given to children.

Doctors and health experts have quickly pushed back against these statements. Medical professionals strongly advise against taking Trump’s comments seriously, especially given his past suggestions during the Covid-19 pandemic, like injecting disinfectant.

Doctors say there is no evidence that paracetamol or vaccines cause autism. The National Autistic Society in the UK called Trump’s comments “dangerous, anti-science, and irresponsible.” They stressed that large studies have shown no connection between autism and painkillers or vaccines. Spreading such misinformation, they warned, risks harming pregnant women, children, and autistic people by fueling fear and stigma.

Still, health experts point out that paracetamol, while generally safe for short-term use, does carry risks if used too often or for long periods. Dr. Semiya Aziz explained that taking it regularly over a long time can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart problems and strokes. For occasional headaches or fevers, however, it is considered safe.

The company that makes Tylenol also disagreed with Trump’s claims, saying they are worried his words could put pregnant women at risk by making them afraid of a medication that is normally safe when used properly.

In short, there is no link between paracetamol or vaccines and autism. The real advice is to use paracetamol only when needed, not for long stretches of time, and always check with a doctor if you have concerns. For accurate information about autism, experts recommend turning to trusted sources like the NHS or the National Autistic Society—not political speeches.