Barack Obama has described Donald Trump’s claims linking paracetamol to autism in infants as “violence against the truth,” warning that such statements could endanger pregnant women if they become too afraid to take pain relief.
Speaking at the O2 Arena in an interview with historian David Olusoga, Obama told the audience that Trump’s assertions about paracetamol—sold as Tylenol in the U.S.—have been repeatedly disproven and pose a risk to public health.
“We have the spectacle of my successor in the Oval Office making broad claims about certain drugs and autism that have been continuously disproved,” Obama said. “It undermines public health… that can do harm to women.”
On Monday, Trump had commented, “Taking Tylenol is not good… All pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant.”
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the remarks, urging women to disregard the president’s advice.
Obama framed the situation as a “tug of war” between two visions for America and humanity’s future. On one side is a progressive outlook that embraces change through democracy; on the other is a populist movement, led by figures like Trump, that seeks to return to a more conservative and hierarchical worldview.
“My successor has not been particularly shy about it,” Obama noted. “That desire is to go back to a very particular way of thinking about America, where ‘we, the people’ means just some people, not all people. And where there are pretty clear hierarchies in terms of status and who ranks where.”
Obama also took aim at progressives, suggesting they grew “complacent” and “smug” during the 1990s and 2000s, holding values that were “never tested” until now.
Although Obama has largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving office, he has become more vocal as American politics grow increasingly divided and volatile.
During the London event, Obama avoided using Trump’s name, referring to him only as “my successor.”
The evening began with Olusoga welcoming London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who had been criticized by Trump in a speech at the UN the day before. Khan responded by accusing Trump of being “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic.”
Obama is visiting London as part of a European speaking tour, which includes a stop in Dublin on Friday. He is set to receive the Freedom of Dublin on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the statement Obama has stated that Trumps claim connecting paracetamol to autism is an assault on the truth
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is the main issue here
The issue is a claim made by Donald Trump that taking paracetamol during pregnancy can cause autism in children Barack Obama has called this claim false and dangerous
2 What did Trump actually say
While not always using the word paracetamol Trump has repeatedly suggested a link between acetaminophen use and rising autism rates calling it a major problem He has made these comments in speeches and on social media
3 What did Obama say in response
Obama characterized Trumps claim as an assault on the truth meaning it is a false statement that undermines public trust in science and medicine
4 Is there any proof that paracetamol causes autism
No Major health organizations like the FDA and CDC state that there is no reliable scientific evidence linking paracetamolacetaminophen use to autism The exact causes of autism are complex and not fully understood but they are believed to be largely genetic
5 Why is this a big deal
Spreading misinformation about medicine can have serious consequences It may cause pregnant people to avoid a safe and effective pain reliever when needed potentially leading to worse health outcomes for them and their babies
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 What does an assault on the truth mean in this context
It means that the claim is not just a simple mistake but a harmful piece of misinformation that actively attacks established scientific facts It can mislead the public and erode confidence in medical experts and institutions
7 Is there any scientific research on this topic at all
A few small observational studies have looked at a possible association but their results are inconsistent and inconclusive These studies cannot prove cause and effect The overwhelming scientific consensus based on a larger body of highquality evidence is that no such causal link exists
8 What are the proven risks of paracetamol during pregnancy
When used at the recommended dosage paracetamol is considered one of the safest pain and fever relievers during pregnancy The primary known risk is overdose which can cause severe liver damage in the
