AI-Summary – News For Tomorrow
During a White House briefing, President Trump claimed that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy significantly increases autism risk, citing a claim promoted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This contradicted scientific consensus, with the Coalition of Autism Scientists denouncing the statement as fear-mongering. Despite Trump’s medical advice and distancing remarks (“I’m not a doctor, but I’m giving my opinion.”), he insisted it was appropriate for him to advise the public. Even his usual supporters hesitated to support the claim. Critics urge people to consult doctors, not politicians, for medical advice, highlighting the potential dangers of following Trump’s unsubstantiated claims.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
The scene would have been comical if not so frightening.
President Trump stood at the White House podium, addressing a room full of reporters.
“First, effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of … ah-said-a … well … let’s see how we say that.”
He said that taking acetaminophen, or Tylenol, while pregnant has been associated with a “very increased risk of autism,” a claim pushed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy with little to no basis in scientific fact.
“Taking Tylenol is not good,” Trump declared, as if anyone in their right mind would take medical advice from a guy who suggested injecting disinfectant to treat coronavirus.
The Coalition of Autism Scientists said: “The data cited do not support the claim that Tylenol causes autism and leucovorin is a cure, and only stoke fear and falsely suggest hope when there is no simple answer.”
Everyone should ignore these two and trust their doctors and pediatricians, not two politicians cosplaying at science, whose long and sordid history of bad advice could lead to serious injury or death.
And while MAGA-world usually falls in line quickly to defend even Trump’s worst impulses — see Jan. 6, see Russia, see tariffs — this time they aren’t getting quite the support they’re used to. That’s how bad this is.
“So the message is not, ‘Never take Tylenol,’ ” he said, contradicting Trump’s own words. “It’s, ‘Take Tylenol judiciously.’ Take it by talking with your doctor.”
I’m not even sure Trump believes all of the garbage he spewed on Monday. In his inimitable way, he seemed to distance himself from what he was selling, saying, “This is based on what I feel,” and “You know, I’m making these statements from me, I’m not making them from these doctors,” and “I’m not a doctor, but I’m giving my opinion.”
So when asked if it was appropriate for him to tell the public what to do, given it was based on his “feelings,” he answered it was “absolutely appropriate.”
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Chef’s kiss.
