Health Secretary Reasserts Unproven Tylenol-Autism Link, Cites ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. today reiterated unsubstantiated claims linking the pain reliever Tylenol to autism, and suggested opposition to the theory stems from animosity toward former President Donald Trump, potentially raising concerns about the future of evidence-based public health policy.

During a meeting with Trump and Cabinet members, Kennedy repeated the connection despite acknowledging a lack of medical proof. “Anybody who takes the stuff during pregnancy unless they have to is, is irresponsible,” Kennedy stated. “It is not proof. We’re doing the studies to make the proof.” He also incorrectly described fetal development, stating a pregnant woman was taking Tylenol “with a baby in her placenta,” when a fetus develops in the uterus and the placenta is an organ *within* the uterus.

Kennedy referenced a TikTok video of a pregnant woman he claimed was “gobbling Tylenol” and cursing Trump, attributing the behavior to “the level of Trump derangement syndrome” extending into “the realm of pathology.” He further asserted that infant boys circumcised have double the rate of autism due to post-procedure Tylenol administration, referencing a 2015 study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. However, that study noted it lacked data on painkiller usage and only showed a correlation, not causation, a point echoed by other researchers; for more information on autism, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These statements follow a recent event where Trump used his office to promote similar unproven links between Tylenol, vaccines, and autism. Officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on Kennedy’s latest assertions.