Trump says he thinks ‘they’ve found the answer’ to autism in shocking sidetrack at Charlie Kirk memorial

 

During a speech at the memorial for Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 at the age of 31, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprising claim regarding autism.

Trump stated, “Tomorrow we are going to have the biggest medical announcement in the history of the country… I think we have an answer to autism. I’ve been pushing everyone to find the answer—how to help children, how to prevent it. It’s a top priority for families.” 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition affecting roughly one in 31 children and is reported to be over three times more common in boys than girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Research shows that ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Contrary to some conspiracy theories, extensive studies have found no link between vaccinations or pharmaceuticals and autism.

Earlier this year, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who served as Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, claimed that hundreds of scientists would investigate the causes of autism and eliminate any contributing factors. Trump echoed these remarks, suggesting that environmental toxins could be responsible. He said, “Somebody made it and put that environmental toxin into our air, water, medicines.

Media reports indicate Trump may soon highlight potential links between the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and autism, a claim that contradicts current medical guidance, which considers Tylenol safe for pregnant women. Experts, including Professor M. Remi Yergeau of Carleton University, have previously rejected claims of an ongoing autism “epidemic” in the United States.

Addressing Kirk’s family during the speech, Trump expressed his condolences: “To Charlie’s parents, who lost their beloved son, and to the entire Kirk family, no words can fill the void he leaves behind. But I hope the extraordinary outpouring of emotion over these past 11 days has comforted you, knowing your son brought more good and love into the world in his 31 years than many people achieve in a lifetime.”