Kenvue Defends Tylenol Safety Amid Trump’s Autism Claims

Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, has responded to recent claims from former U.S. President Donald Trump that link its pain reliever to autism in children. In a statement issued on September 22, 2025, the company firmly denied any connection between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism, emphasizing the product’s safety for expectant mothers.

During a press briefing, Trump announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would inform healthcare providers about potential risks associated with Tylenol use in pregnant women. He stated that the FDA recommends limiting its use unless absolutely necessary, such as for treating fever. “If you can’t tough it out, you should limit Tylenol use during pregnancy,” Trump said, as cited by CNN.

Kenvue’s spokesperson, Melissa Witt, expressed concern over the implications of Trump’s statements. “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” she stated. The company stressed its commitment to ensuring that pregnant women have access to safe pain relief options, stating, “Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy.”

Scientific Consensus on Acetaminophen Safety

Despite Trump’s assertions, decades of research indicate that acetaminophen does not pose a significant risk of autism. Medical societies advocate for its use as a safe option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Kenvue highlighted that without acetaminophen, women might be left with dangerous alternatives: enduring harmful conditions like high fever or resorting to riskier medications.

The statement from Kenvue aims to address the confusion and potential health risks that false claims may pose to pregnant women. “We are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents,” the company added, reinforcing its position on the safety of acetaminophen.

Trump’s controversial remarks also included references to childhood vaccines, which have long been a topic of debate regarding their alleged links to autism. However, scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports that vaccines are safe and effective.

As Kenvue navigates these claims, the company remains steadfast in its messaging. The ongoing discourse highlights the critical role of accurate information in public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women.

In light of this situation, Kenvue continues to advocate for clear communication about the safety and efficacy of its products, aiming to reassure consumers and healthcare professionals alike.