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: one progressive, embracing change through democracy, and the other led by populists like Trump, who seek a 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.”
He also took aim at progressives, saying they grew “complacent” and “smug” in 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 spoken out more often as U.S. politics grow increasingly volatile and divided.
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 during a UN speech the day before. Khan responded by calling Trump “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 topic designed to be clear and helpful
FAQs Obamas Response to Trumps Paracetamol Autism Claim
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is the basic issue here
Former President Donald Trump claimed that paracetamol use during pregnancy can cause autism Former President Barack Obama called this claim an attack on the truth
2 What did Trump actually say about paracetamol and autism
In a social media post Trump suggested a link between the use of paracetamol by pregnant women and a rise in autism diagnoses in children implying it was a cause
3 What was Obamas exact response
While Obama did not mention Trump by name he posted a statement criticizing leaders who just make stuff up and spread misinformation specifically calling it an attack on the truth This was widely understood as a direct response to Trumps claim
4 Is there any proof that paracetamol causes autism
No there is no conclusive scientific evidence proving that paracetamol causes autism Major health organizations like the FDA and CDC have not established this link Some studies have explored a possible association but they do not prove causation and the overall scientific consensus does not support the claim
Advanced Detailed Questions
5 Why do experts say Trumps claim is misinformation
Experts label it as misinformation because it presents a speculative and unproven association as a definitive cause This can cause unnecessary fear and lead people to avoid using a safe and effective pain reliever when needed which could be harmful
6 What are the real known risks of paracetamol use during pregnancy
The known risks are related to dosage Taking too much paracetamol can cause liver damage in both the mother and the fetus However when used at the recommended dose for a short period for pain or fever it is generally considered one of the safest options during pregnancy Always consult a doctor
7 What is the scientific consensus on the causes of autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with no single known cause Research suggests its caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect early brain development
8 Why is it dangerous for public figures to spread medical misinformation like this
Its dangerous
