September 23, 2025 In a development that rattled both Wall Street and the medical community, Tylenol maker Kenvue Inc. saw its shares plunge on Monday after President Donald Trump claimed that the popular pain reliever may be linked to autism when taken during pregnancy.
The remarks came during a White House press conference, where Trump appeared alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The president suggested that prenatal use of acetaminophen, Tylenol’s active ingredient, could be contributing to rising autism cases in children.
The claim, however, was not backed by new research. Almost immediately, doctors, medical organizations, and regulators pushed back, stressing that while some observational studies have explored potential associations, no causal link has been scientifically proven.
Stock Market Reaction
The comments triggered a sharp market response. Kenvue’s stock fell as much as 7.5%, touching record lows amid fears of regulatory scrutiny and potential lawsuits. The shares later recovered slightly, gaining back around 4–6% after analysts and health experts dismissed the remarks as unsupported by evidence.
Analysts noted that Tylenol remains one of Kenvue’s most profitable and widely used products. Any erosion in consumer confidence, they warned, could carry long-term consequences for the company’s bottom line.
Pushback From Experts
Kenvue issued a strong statement rejecting Trump’s claim, saying that “sound science shows no connection between acetaminophen and autism.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also weighed in, reminding the public that acetaminophen is considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed. Health authorities, including the FDA, acknowledged ongoing research but stressed that correlation in some studies does not prove causation.
Science Behind the Debate
For years, researchers have examined whether prenatal exposure to acetaminophen could be linked to developmental disorders such as autism or ADHD. While a handful of studies have suggested possible associations, others found no connection. Most experts agree that the data is inconclusive and that more rigorous research is needed before any definitive claims can be made.
European and U.S. regulators alike have maintained that acetaminophen remains safe for pregnant women when used responsibly and in moderation.
What Comes Next
Despite the controversy, officials say no immediate regulatory action is planned. However, the FDA is considering updates to product labeling, potentially advising pregnant women to use the lowest effective dose and only when necessary.
Meanwhile, market analysts are watching closely to see whether consumer trust in Tylenol takes a lasting hit or if the storm passes as quickly as it began.
For now, doctors continue to caution against unnecessary alarm, reminding expectant mothers that acetaminophen remains one of the few safe pain relief options during pregnancy.
