US President Donald Trump’s latest health-related remark has reignited debate about public health misinformation. Addressing the nation from the Oval Office, Trump warned pregnant women against taking Tylenol (paracetamol), citing a supposed “link” to autism. The claim was swiftly rejected by medical experts and drugmaker Kenvue, which stressed that there is no credible scientific evidence connecting Tylenol to autism.
Trump stated, “Don’t take Tylenol… there’s no downside,” adding that newborns should not receive it either. The President admitted his remarks were based on “common sense,” not science.
Anti-Vaccine Stance from Health Secretary RFK Jr.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic and founder of the anti-vaccine nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, has also stirred controversy. Kennedy has repeatedly questioned the safety of childhood immunizations and labeled the COVID-19 vaccine as “the deadliest ever made,” despite CDC data disproving such claims.
Earlier this year, Kennedy vowed to find a “cure” for autism within five months, claiming that by September he would identify and eliminate the cause. Experts warn that such rhetoric risks fueling fear among parents, potentially leading to lower vaccination rates and preventable outbreaks.
Trump further echoed Kennedy’s concerns, calling for an overhaul of vaccine schedules — including splitting the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot and delaying Hepatitis B vaccines for years. Public health authorities, including the CDC, have cautioned that these changes could endanger children’s lives by leaving them vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Raw Milk Controversy
Kennedy has also publicly promoted the consumption of raw, unpasteurised milk, claiming it is healthier despite strong warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both agencies warn that raw milk may contain dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can be fatal for children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
The CDC has even linked raw milk to bird flu transmission, and federal law bans its sale for human consumption. Nonetheless, around 30 US states still permit raw milk sales.
Experts Sound Alarm
Medical experts have strongly condemned the President and his Health Secretary for spreading misinformation. They warn that discouraging safe medications like Tylenol and promoting unscientific vaccine changes could have global public health consequences.
Despite criticism, Trump stood by his controversial appointee, urging Kennedy to “go wild” and declaring he would “Make America Healthy Again.”