Washington D.C. – Former President Trump is set to address what the White House is calling a “childhood autism epidemic” today, with plans to reportedly link autism to Tylenol use during pregnancy, despite a lack of consensus from major health organizations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the upcoming remarks Monday, framing the event as a “powerful display” of the administration’s commitment to “gold-standard science.”
The planned declaration arrives amid ongoing debate and concern over rising autism rates in the United States. While the causes of autism are complex and not fully understood, leading health bodies – including the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine – have found no conclusive evidence linking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to an increased risk of autism. The move raises questions about potential confusion for pregnant women and the administration’s reliance on data supporting the connection.
Leavitt declined to share the data informing the announcement when pressed by reporters, stating, “I think women for many years, actually for decades, have been confused by the rapid increase in autism in this country.” She added that the administration believes “they want answers,” characterizing autism as a “chronic disease epidemic plaguing” the country.
Experts in maternal-fetal medicine note that current guidance already advises pregnant women to consult with their physicians and use medications, including Tylenol, sparingly. The White House has not yet released the timing of Trump’s remarks.
