President Donald Trump’s warning that Tylenol use during pregnancy could raise the risk of autism sparked an immediate wave of ridicule and sharp pushback from Democratic lawmakers and pundits.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump declared that “Tylenol taken during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism,” citing what he described as new scientific findings. He urged women to avoid the over-the-counter drug unless “medically necessary.”
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The announcement came as part of what Trump called a “historic step” to address autism, hinting at the plan during his remarks at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service the day prior. Administration officials said the federal government is launching a major research initiative into the causes of autism by September.
Several prominent Democrats immediately denounced Trump’s comments.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joked on X: “I’m not a doctor either but I’m pretty sure the Trump administration has a serious staff infection.”
I’m not a doctor either but I’m pretty sure the Trump administration has a serious staff infection. https://t.co/CzyEa97ib4
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) September 22, 2025
In another post, the Maryland lawmaker added, “Uh, I think I’d like a second opinion.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said: “Let me go ahead and send my thoughts and prayers to all that plan to take their medical advice from someone who I am old enough to remember also told people to inject themselves with bleach. Why is ignorance being elevated while intelligence is being denigrated?”
Let me go ahead and send my thoughts and prayers to all that plan to take their medical advice from someone who I am old enough to remember also told people to inject themselves with bleach.
— Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) September 23, 2025
Why is ignorance being elevated while intelligence is being denigrated?
Former Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also weighed in, writing: “The cost of living keeps moving in the wrong direction. The President’s answer? Declare war on Tylenol.”
The cost of living keeps moving in the wrong direction.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 23, 2025
The President’s answer? Declare war on Tylenol.
Buttigieg’s comments drew a flurry of derision online, with critics highlighting his record as transportation secretary.
“You wasted $8B on DEI projects instead of fixing Air Traffic Control. Americans were killed as a result. Shut up, Buttigieg,” one person wrote on X.
Another asked, “How did those racist bridges work out for you?”
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) issued a statement accusing Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of promoting conspiracy theories: “Once again, President Trump and RFK Jr. are abandoning science, spreading conspiracy theories, and betraying American families – especially mothers. For the sake of the American people’s health and future, RFK Jr. must resign or be fired immediately.”
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FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, however, defended the new guidance while speaking during the Monday press conference, pointing to long-term research.
“We now have data we cannot ignore,” he said, citing the Boston Birth Cohort, the Nurses Health Study, and Mount Sinai-Harvard research as evidence of a causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism spectrum disorder.