Trump doubles down on Tylenol guidance, telling pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen

Former President Donald Trump has doubled down on advice against Tylenol use during pregnancy, telling followers on Truth Social to avoid acetaminophen unless absolutely necessary and to not give it to young children 'for virtually any reason.' The post, dated Sept. 26, 2025, follows research suggesting a possible link between acetaminophen exposure in the womb and an increased risk of autism in children. Experts caution that an association does not prove causation, and findings across large studies have been mixed.

In the same message, Trump offered other medical recommendations, writing: 'BREAK UP THE MMR SHOT INTO THREE TOTALLY SEPARATE SHOTS (NOT MIXED!), TAKE CHICKEN P SHOT SEPARATELY, TAKE HEPATITAS B SHOT AT 12 YEARS OLD, OR OLDER, AND, IMPORTANTLY, TAKE VACCINE IN FIVE SEPARATE MEDICAL VISITS!'

Health researchers and medical professionals have urged caution in interpreting the Tylenol guidance. While some studies have observed an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and higher autism risk in offspring, experts emphasize that correlation does not establish causation. They also note that other large-scale studies have produced different results, highlighting the complexity of disentangling maternal drug exposure from developmental outcomes. A 2024 study of 2.4 million children in Sweden found no link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism risk, illustrating that the evidence remains mixed and far from conclusive.

Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, is commonly used during pregnancy to reduce fever and pain. Fever and inflammatory conditions can pose risks to both mother and fetus if not managed, so clinicians often weigh benefits and potential harms when recommending treatment. Public health experts stress that pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers before making medication decisions and should consider the broader clinical context, including the severity of symptoms and any alternatives.

Trump’s broader medical commentary, including the call to split vaccines into separate visits, has drawn scrutiny from health officials who advocate for evidence-based, consensus-driven guidelines. They caution that political rhetoric about medical treatment can create confusion for expectant mothers and the general public alike. While people should be free to discuss health concerns, public health authorities reiterate the importance of relying on peer-reviewed research and professional medical advice when making decisions that affect pregnancy and child health.