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| Tylenol. (Alamy/PA) |
A major political and scientific controversy has erupted after the Trump administration signaled plans to announce new findings on a possible connection between prenatal use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. The official announcement, expected on Monday, September 22, 2025, follows remarks made by President Donald Trump during the funeral weekend of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Trump and RFK Jr. at the Center of the Initiative
The initiative is being led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of pharmaceutical practices and vaccine policies. Trump described the move as “one of the most important things we will do”, linking it to his broader campaign promise to investigate the causes of autism.
Scientific Evidence Remains Divided
The administration’s stance draws on a handful of recent studies, including research from Mount Sinai and Harvard, that suggest a potential correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, major health organizations—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—maintain that Tylenol remains safe when used under medical guidance. A large Swedish study published in 2024 found no causal relationship.
Legal and Economic Stakes for Kenvue
The announcement could have sweeping consequences for Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue, already facing hundreds of lawsuits alleging the drug’s role in autism. Although many previous class actions were dismissed for lack of evidence, a federal acknowledgment of risk could reshape the litigation landscape and impact Kenvue’s stock performance. The company has strongly denied any causal link, emphasizing the absence of conclusive scientific proof.
Leucovorin Positioned as a Potential Treatment
Alongside concerns about acetaminophen, the Trump administration is also preparing to highlight leucovorin, a folate-based drug, as a potential therapy for children diagnosed with autism. This dual focus underscores both a search for causes and a promise of treatment options, though many experts caution against premature conclusions.
Political Symbolism and Public Reaction
The announcement’s timing—delivered in the context of Charlie Kirk’s memorial—has added a layer of political symbolism. Critics argue that the administration is exploiting public fears, while supporters see it as long-overdue accountability in health policy. Public health experts stress the importance of distinguishing scientific evidence from political rhetoric, warning that misinformation could erode trust in both medicine and government institutions.
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