Medical experts push back on Trump claims about acetaminophen in Tylenol and autism

Medical experts push back on Trump claims about acetaminophen in Tylenol and autism

On Monday, President Trump, joined by HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and the FDA chair, claimed acetaminophen in Tylenol can increase the risk of autism in children if used during pregnancy.There’s no clear evidence for the connection and Tylenol’s owner has pushed back. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook explains what to know.

Truth Analysis

Factual Accuracy
1/5
Bias Level
4/5

Analysis Summary:

The article accurately reports Trump's claims about acetaminophen and autism, but it correctly states that medical experts and the maker of Tylenol have pushed back against these claims due to a lack of scientific evidence. The article exhibits minimal bias, presenting the controversy and expert opinions. The core claim made by Trump is widely contradicted by available evidence.

Detailed Analysis:

  • Claim: President Trump claimed acetaminophen in Tylenol can increase the risk of autism in children if used during pregnancy.
  • Verification Source #1: Confirms that Trump believes acetaminophen is linked to autism risk and that the maker of Tylenol and medical experts have strongly pushed back on the claims.
  • Verification Source #2: Confirms Trump warned that women should not take the drug during the entire pregnancy.
  • Verification Source #3: Confirms medical experts have strongly pushed back on the claims, with some calling the president's comments dangerous.
  • Verification Source #4: Confirms Trump rails against Tylenol but autism claims not supported by science.
  • Verification Source #5: Confirms President Trump tied the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to autism.
  • Assessment: Supported by all sources that Trump made the claim. However, the claim itself is not scientifically supported.
  • Claim: There's no clear evidence for the connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.
  • Verification Source #1: Confirms that medical experts have strongly pushed back on the claims.
  • Verification Source #4: Confirms autism claims are not supported by science.
  • Assessment: Supported by multiple sources. The sources indicate a lack of scientific evidence supporting the link.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

  • Source 1: "...believes acetaminophen is linked to autism risk, but the maker of Tylenol and medical experts have strongly pushed back on the claims."
  • Source 4: "...Trump rails against Tylenol but autism claims not supported by science."