Trump Administration Set to Announce Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism

Multiple outlets reported that the Trump administration will announce that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, could increase the risk of autism. The administration will also advise pregnant women only to use it for high fevers, reports stated. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used pain reliever during pregnancy. Officials, granted anonymity to share details of the announcement in advance, said Trump would also highlight leucovorin, a cancer and anemia drug, as a potential therapy for people with autism. On Friday, Trump said he would have a big announcement on the neurological condition soon: “Autism is totally out of control,” he told reporters. “I think we, maybe, have a reason why.” In a statement Sunday, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said the “announcement will make historic progress” in addressing rising autism rates. Finding the condition’s cause is a major priority of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who promised earlier this year to have some answers in September. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this spring that 1 in 31 American 8-year-olds was diagnosed with the condition in 2022, compared with 1 in 150 in 2000. The announcement would mark the first time the government has linked acetaminophen and autism. Kennedy believes environmental factors are causing the rise in autism cases — despite ample evidence to the contrary, he suspects vaccines are involved — while many public health experts believe it’s because of changing diagnostic criteria and more attention to the condition. Trump said he thinks it will be one of the biggest medical announcements in the history of the United States. An earlier report that the administration was investigating potential links between acetaminophen and autism sent shares of Tylenol-maker Kenvue Inc. sinking. Kenvue said Sunday that “independent, sound science” shows taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers,” the company said in a statement. “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.” Kenvue shares fell as much as 5.9% in New York trading on Monday. The stock has slumped 19% this year. Trump is scheduled to speak at 4 p.m. ET. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a briefing at 1 p.m. ET.