Trump’s medical shake-up: Tylenol warning for pregnant women and a vow to dismantle the ‘disgraceful’ vaccine schedule
At a press conference with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump announced an immediate overhaul of medical guidance for Americans. He said the FDA will instruct physicians to warn pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) unless medically necessary, such as in cases of extremely high fever. Trump urged pregnant women to endure pain rather than take Tylenol, declaring, "Fight like hell not to take it," and said it should be used only if they "can’t tough it out" or face an extremely high fever. He criticized America’s “disgraceful” vaccine schedule, even as the link between vaccines and autism has long been discredited. The administration released results of a federal review led by the health secretary, who earlier this year described autism as destroying families. Trump argued that autism has risen to "one of the most alarming medical crises in history," citing a claimed 400 percent surge over decades, and added, "You know it's something artificial. With Tylenol, don't take it. There’s not an alternative to that." The article notes that major health bodies continue to recommend acetaminophen for pregnant women when medically necessary, and that acetaminophen is widely used to reduce fever and pain.
In This Article:
Acetaminophen, autism, and the science under scrutiny
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is widely used by pregnant women to reduce fever and pain. While some studies have explored a potential link to autism, the evidence is inconsistent, and major health bodies still recommend its use when medically necessary. The Tylenol manufacturer, Kenvue, pushed back against the president’s claim that the painkiller causes autism, stating that the science clearly shows no causal link and that continuing to recommend Tylenol is the safest option for both mother and baby. Medical professionals caution that the science remains unsettled: there is no consensus that acetaminophen causes neurodevelopmental disorders, and official guidance emphasizes weighing risks and benefits with a clinician.
A plan to split the MMR vaccine and rethink vaccines
Trump praised the CDC’s move to stop recommending the combined MMR and varicella vaccine and urged Americans to break it into three separate shots, arguing that mixing them 'could be a problem.' He also said, "I’ve heard bad things about [the MMR] personally," while describing himself as a "big believer in vaccines." Kennedy spoke of ongoing investigation into multiple potential causes of autism and insisted, "We are continuing to investigate multiplicity of potential causes. We will be uncompromising and relentless in our pursuit. Whatever the answer is, we will tell you what we find." NIH head Dr. Jay Bhattacharya announced an additional $50 million to study autism causes. The public debate over vaccines sits alongside policy shifts, underscoring that science must guide recommendations rather than politics.
Leucovorin: a controversial lead in autism treatment
Kennedy highlighted leucovorin, a drug derived from folic acid, which costs about $2.50 per pill, as an 'exciting' development in autism improvement. Research on leucovorin is mixed, but some doctors say it can help children with autism when used under medical supervision. Dr. Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist, argues that up to 75 percent of children with autism have a blockage in transporting folate to the brain, and leucovorin can restore folate levels in the central nervous system, potentially improving function. He emphasizes that leucovorin is not a cure, but can be disease-modifying and life-changing for some. Trump indicated the FDA plans to approve leucovorin for autistic children and that government-subsidized insurance coverage is likely, with private insurers expected to follow. Families report dramatic improvements after starting treatment.
Numbers, definitions and evidence: where the autism story stands
Trump cited a rise in autism rates from one in 150 in 2000 to one in 31 today, and claimed it was once one in 20,000 decades ago—a figure historians say is an exaggeration. Experts attribute much of the increase to looser definitions and better detection, while others point to environmental factors, older parental age, or maternal obesity as possible contributors. Kennedy said, "We are continuing to investigate multiplicity of potential causes. We will be uncompromising and relentless in our pursuit. Whatever the answer is, we will tell you what we find." The administration’s announcements drew criticism from medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which said the move oversimplifies complex neurological challenges and is not backed by reliable data. The article also highlights, for context, that many experts stress the need for robust scientific consensus.
