Trump's 'word salad' about Tylenol and autism goes viral, spurring memes

President Donald Trump held a press conference Monday in which he asserted that Tylenol use during pregnancy could increase autism risk, a claim doctors have said is unverified and misleading. The remarks drew immediate attention for what many described as a meandering 'word salad' and prompted online debates about health messaging from public officials. Some social-media users labeled the moment an 'instant classic' and a 'For The History Books' moment.

He followed with a line that would later become a focal point of online commentary: 'Nothing bad can happen, it can only good happen. But with Tylenol, don’t take it. Don’t take it!' The claim drew swift pushback from medical experts, who said there is no proven link between prenatal Tylenol exposure and autism, and warned that unverified statements can spread dangerous myths about medicine. The press conference, they noted, offered little in the way of verifiable evidence and did not reflect established scientific consensus.

Online reaction quickly followed, with social media users translating the moment into memes and pop culture references. One post described the line as 'an affirmation' and 'a moment for the history books.' Others drew comparisons to scenes from television comedies lampooning campaign speeches, underscoring the moment's viral, entertainment-infused nature.

Beyond the memes, health experts urged caution about drawing causal links between prenatal Tylenol exposure and autism. Medical professionals have repeatedly cautioned that there is no proven, direct connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism risk. They noted that pregnancy is a time of many variables that influence outcomes, and unverified claims can spread dangerous myths about medicine.

The episode illustrates a broader cultural phenomenon in which remarks by political figures can become entertainment fixtures online, shaping public perception even when statements lack scientific backing. As it plays out in culture and entertainment coverage, the line between news and meme becomes blurred, leaving audiences to navigate competing narratives about health information shared by high-profile figures.