Washington: President Donald Trump isn't a doctor, but on Monday he offered extensive unproven medical advice that he suggested might help reduce autism rates.

Trump repeatedly urged pregnant women to avoid taking the painkiller Tylenol, despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommending acetaminophen as safe during pregnancy. He also commented on when children should be given painkillers.

Speaking alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, Trump stopped short of opposing all vaccines but suggested delaying key immunisations or giving combination shots separately, despite proven evidence showing no link between vaccines and autism.

He compared vaccine doses to “pumping into a horse” and exaggerated the amount given to children.

The presentation echoed Trump's early COVID-19 briefings, when he made inaccurate claims, including suggesting injecting disinfectants could help people. On Monday, he warned against Tylenol for pregnant women and recommended later administration of hepatitis B vaccines.

Tylenol maker Kenvue disputed any autism link and cautioned against avoiding the drug during pregnancy, as untreated fevers carry risks. Trump claimed he was relying on “common sense” and consultations with doctors.

Many scientists expressed alarm. Arthur Caplan, NYU School of Medicine, called Trump's statements “unsupported, wrong, and flat out malpractice in managing pregnancy and protecting fetal life.”

Trump insisted there was “no downside” to following his advice, blaming pharmaceutical companies and some doctors for allegedly suppressing information.