Experts Question Trump’s Autism Claims on Acetaminophen and Leucovorin

Recent comments from President Donald Trump have reignited debate about autism and possible contributing factors. The administration linked acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism risk and promoted leucovorin as a new autism treatment. However, scientists stress that the evidence is far from conclusive.

Large population studies in Europe and the United States have found little to no causal link between maternal acetaminophen use and autism once family factors are considered. Reviews note associations in some observational research, but major health bodies including ACOG and the NHS continue to recommend acetaminophen as the safest option for pain and fever during pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose.

The FDA has also approved leucovorin for symptoms of cerebral folate deficiency, a rare metabolic condition that can overlap with autism. Small clinical trials show benefits for children with folate receptor autoantibodies, but experts caution this is not a universal autism therapy. Researchers emphasise the need for larger trials and clear biomarkers before drawing wider conclusions.