Barack Obama slams Trump over autism claims, calling his remarks on vaccines and Tylenol harmful misinformation that threatens public health

Barack Obama has sharply criticised Donald Trump over recent comments suggesting a link between common medicines, vaccines, and autism, describing the remarks as “violence against the truth.”

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In a video posted to his official X account on Thursday, the former US president said Trump’s claims were not only baseless but also dangerous to public health.

“We have people in power making broad claims around certain drugs and autism that have been continuously disproven,” Obama stated.

“The degree to which those comments can undermine public health, do harm to women who are pregnant, and create anxiety for parents who do have children who are autistic, is violence against the truth.”

Obama further noted that much of the rise in autism diagnoses is linked to evolving medical standards.

“Much of what is being trumpeted as massive increases in autism is actually due to a broadening of diagnostic criteria, allowing more people to get the services and help they need,” he explained.

His intervention followed Trump’s controversial remarks on Monday urging pregnant women to “tough it out” and avoid Tylenol, while also calling for changes to routine childhood vaccinations. Neither assertion has scientific support.

The World Health Organisation quickly reaffirmed that vaccines and acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, have not been proven to cause autism.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic acknowledged that while some observational studies suggested a potential association, “these studies do not establish causality and are subject to significant limitations.”

Medical experts continue to regard paracetamol as one of the safest pain relief options during pregnancy, while vaccines remain critical in preventing childhood illnesses.

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By directly challenging Trump, Barack Obama has sought to refocus public attention on science-based evidence and guard against health misinformation that could endanger millions.