Trump Uses Charlie Kirk Eulogy to Tease Major Autism Announcement

Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that there could soon be an “answer” for autism.

Speaking at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona on Sept. 21, the president, 79, told attendees that his administration is preparing a major medical announcement.

“I think we found an answer to autism,” Trump said, adding that his team “won’t let it happen anymore.” He called the news “one of the biggest announcements, medically, in the history of our country.”

According to The Washington Post, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to announce on Monday a connection between autism and the use of Tylenol during pregnancy. This comes despite years of research showing no such link and existing medical guidelines advising otherwise, the outlet reported.

The Post, citing four anonymous sources, said the administration plans to warn that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, may pose risks to pregnant women. PEOPLE reached out to both the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services but has not received a response.

The Post also noted that recent studies, including an August review by researchers from Harvard University and Mount Sinai Hospital, have been examined. These studies looked at whether early use of acetaminophen in pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in children. According to the report, new guidance will warn expectant mothers not to use the drug early in pregnancy unless they have a fever.

Two senior officials also told Politico that the administration plans to advise women to use Tylenol or generic acetaminophen only when treating high fevers. White House spokesperson Kush Desai told the Post the announcement would mark “historic progress.”

This development follows a promise Kennedy made during an April cabinet meeting with Trump, when he said he would identify the causes of autism by September.

In response, Tylenol’s parent company, Kenvue, defended the medication’s safety for pregnant women.

“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers,” a company spokesperson said.

They added, “Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives.”

The spokesperson also emphasized that “over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.”

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental condition that affects brain function. It can cause repetitive behaviors, difficulties with communication, and challenges in social interaction, according to Mayo Clinic.