Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy after claiming that Tylenol use during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of autism, delivering the shocking announcement alongside vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a joint appearance in Florida. The former president, who has increasingly aligned himself with figures questioning mainstream science and medicine, told supporters that “Big Pharma has hidden the truth for decades,” accusing pharmaceutical companies of profiting while ignoring potential harm. According to The New York Times, the remarks were met with thunderous applause inside the rally hall — but stunned outrage from the medical community.
“We now know Tylenol isn’t just a harmless pill,” Trump declared, standing shoulder to shoulder with RFK Jr. “The evidence is overwhelming, and they’ve been lying about it for years. We’re talking about autism — the health of America’s children — and no one in Washington has had the guts to tell you.” His words were echoed by Kennedy, who said he has “spent decades” researching what he called “toxic exposures.” Together, the two men vowed to launch new investigations into pharmaceutical companies if Trump returns to the White House, pledging to hold executives accountable for “a cover-up worse than anyone can imagine,” as reported by Reuters.
Trump claims Tylenol use during pregnancy linked to autism. “Big Pharma knew.” RFK Jr. by his side. — @axios
The comments have been met with immediate backlash from doctors, scientists, and health officials, who argue there is no conclusive evidence that acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — causes autism. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a rare late-night statement stressing that Tylenol remains widely considered safe when used as directed. “There is no scientifically valid proof linking acetaminophen use to autism,” the agency said, quoted by CNN. Pediatric associations also slammed the remarks, warning that pregnant women could be scared away from safe medications and left vulnerable to untreated pain or fever, which can itself cause complications.
Despite the outcry, Trump’s remarks immediately gained traction online. Supporters flooded X with messages praising him for “speaking the truth Big Pharma doesn’t want you to hear.” Conspiracy-driven hashtags trended within minutes, with videos of the rally racking up millions of views. The Washington Post reported that grassroots groups are already planning lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, citing Trump’s claims as a rallying cry. One mother in attendance described the moment as “the first time a leader finally said what parents have whispered for years.”
“Trump is giving voice to parents who’ve been ignored for decades,” RFK Jr. says at rally. — @guardian
Medical professionals, however, fear the damage may already be done. “This is dangerous misinformation with the potential to harm both mothers and children,” one neurologist told The Guardian. “Pregnant women may now stop using medications they genuinely need because they fear harming their child, and that puts lives at risk.” Health experts have pointed to large-scale studies showing mixed but inconclusive data about acetaminophen use, with researchers stressing that correlation does not prove causation. Still, Trump and Kennedy insisted the evidence was “clear” and promised to make it a cornerstone of their shared political agenda.
Behind the scenes, Disney’s reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel and Trump’s repeated entanglements with controversies show a broader cultural divide, but this announcement with RFK Jr. has the potential to redefine Trump’s relationship with the medical establishment. The Los Angeles Times reported that Republican strategists are split: some believe the claims will energize Trump’s populist base, while others fear they will alienate moderates who view the remarks as reckless. One GOP aide was quoted as saying, “Every time he goes down this road, we risk losing credibility with suburban voters.”
FDA issues urgent statement: “No scientific evidence links Tylenol to autism.” Warns public not to abandon safe medications. — @AP
RFK Jr., long a polarizing figure in debates about vaccines and pharmaceuticals, appeared energized by the joint announcement. His decision to stand beside Trump is being interpreted by analysts as a signal that the two may forge a lasting alliance, potentially reshaping the 2026 political landscape. According to Politico, discussions are already underway about how their shared messaging on medical freedom and “exposing corruption” could form the backbone of a campaign strategy aimed at parents, libertarians, and anti-establishment voters.
Parents of autistic children are among those most divided by the announcement. Some expressed gratitude online, saying Trump had validated their long-held suspicions. Others, however, accused him of exploiting their struggles for political gain. “My child has autism. Blaming Tylenol doesn’t help him — it stigmatizes me,” one mother posted on X, a sentiment amplified in coverage by Business Insider. Autism advocacy groups swiftly condemned the remarks, calling them “reckless” and “scientifically baseless.”
Autism advocacy groups condemn Trump and RFK Jr.’s claims as “harmful and misleading.” — @nytimes
The storm of reactions highlights the perilous intersection of politics, science, and public health. For Trump, the announcement may solidify his status as a candidate willing to defy institutions and mainstream consensus. For RFK Jr., it represents validation after years on the fringe of American politics. But for millions of families, the remarks have unleashed fresh confusion and fear at a time when trust in medical authorities is already fragile. Whether this joint appearance becomes a political turning point or another explosive controversy remains to be seen — but its impact is already rippling through households, hospitals, and halls of power alike.