Kenvue Stock Sinks Ahead of Trump Announcement Tying Autism to Tylenol Use During Pregnancy
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%3Aformat(webp)%2FGettyImages-2236794399-9cd0be5cfbac48c3a35a4f33f1c4c05d.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
News Summary
Shares of Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, dropped over 7% to a record low on Monday, anticipating an announcement from the Trump administration. The report was expected to link pregnant women’s use of the painkiller to an increased risk of autism. President Trump, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stated at a press conference that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, could lead to a higher risk of autism and advised pregnant women against using the medication. Kenvue countered that scientific studies show no link between acetaminophen and autism, strongly disagreeing with any suggestion otherwise and expressing deep concern for the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.
Background
Kenvue is a globally recognized consumer health company, owning popular brands such as Tylenol. Acetaminophen, the primary active ingredient in Tylenol, is widely used for pain relief and fever reduction, making it one of the most common over-the-counter painkillers worldwide. In recent years, there have been ongoing scientific discussions and legal challenges regarding a potential link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental issues in children, including autism, though the medical community generally considers existing evidence insufficient to establish a definitive causal link. In 2025, Donald J. Trump is the incumbent US President, and his administration's stance and interventions on public health and scientific matters are closely watched, particularly under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In-Depth AI Insights
What could be the deeper political motivations behind the Trump administration's direct announcement? - This could be a populist strategy to solidify a specific voter base, particularly those skeptical of vaccine and drug safety, by taking a strong stance on public health issues. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s long-standing concerns about vaccine and drug safety align with this statement, providing a perceived