🗣️ What Trump Actually Said

During his 2025 address to Congress, President Donald Trump made a series of controversial health claims, including:

“We’re going to tell doctors to stop recommending Tylenol to pregnant women. It’s dangerous. It’s causing autism. Nobody talks about it, but I will.”

“We lost 300,000 people last year to overdoses. It’s out of control.”

These remarks were made alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously suggested a link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism, as well as folate deficiency during pregnancy.[1](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/09/the-facts-behind-claims-on-autism-tylenol-and-folate/)

🔍 Fact Check: What’s True, What’s Not

• Tylenol and Autism: According to FactCheck.org, there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy While some studies have explored correlations, experts caution against drawing causal conclusions. The FDA has not issued any warnings or bans on Tylenol for pregnant women.[1](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/09/the-facts-behind-claims-on-autism-tylenol-and-folate/)
• Overdose Deaths: Trump’s claim of 300,000 overdose deaths in 2024 is a significant exaggeration. According to CDC data and independent fact-checkers, the actual number was closer to 79,000, with the majority linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl—not Tylenol.[2](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/03/factchecking-trumps-address-to-congress-2/)

🎭 Political Theater or Public Health Concern?

Trump’s remarks appear to be part of a broader strategy to position himself as a truth-teller against “Big Pharma.” RFK Jr. has previously floated similar theories, and the administration seems to be leaning into populist health messaging.

Critics argue that these claims distract from real public health issues, such as opioid addiction and access to mental health care. Supporters say Trump is raising questions that deserve investigation.

😂 Late-Night Take: If Tylenol Were a Person

Imagine Tylenol walking into a congressional hearing:

Congressman: “Are you responsible for autism?”

Tylenol (voiced by Steve Carell): “I just wanted to help with headaches. I didn’t sign up for this.”

RFK Jr.: “You’re hiding something!”

Tylenol: “I’m literally over-the-counter. I hide nothing.”

📚 What Experts Actually Recommend

• Consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
• Don’t rely on political speeches for medical advice.
• Focus on evidence-based research and peer-reviewed studies.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Trump’s Tylenol remarks are a classic example of political overreach into medical science. While the opioid crisis is real and urgent, conflating it with over-the-counter painkillers and speculative autism theories does little to help.

As always, check the label—and the facts.