On September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump held a White House press conference that is described as one of the most significant assaults on science and public health by a sitting president, comparable to his controversial 2020 COVID-19 briefing. During the conference, Trump made false claims about acetaminophen (Tylenol), asserting its use during pregnancy could increase autism risk, contradicting extensive research. He also downplayed the dangers of maternal fever and childhood vaccinations, promoting the idea of delaying some vaccines, which could expose children to preventable diseases.
Trump’s statements were marked by signs of neurological decline and repetitive phrases, arousing concern about his mental state. The medical community reacted strongly against his unfounded assertions. He also introduced leucovorin as a supposed “cure” for autism, despite its lack of supporting evidence and history as a cancer drug.
The press conference is seen as part of a broader anti-science agenda within the Trump administration, particularly under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has dismantled vaccine policy safeguards. The event exemplifies a dangerous trend toward undermining established scientific knowledge and public health policies, reflecting an elitist disregard for human life. The article argues that defending science and public health requires a radical societal change, claiming Trump’s actions contribute to a form of “deliberate social murder” that has escalated during the pandemic.
