Has America turned its back on science?
The Story23 Sep 2025

Has America turned its back on science?

President Trump has publicly linked the use of Tylenol, or paracetamol, during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism, despite experts saying the connection is unproven. The extraordinary announcement came after months of dramatic changes at US public health bodies, spearheaded by the health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr. So, how did health become politicised in America? And could the same thing happen in the UK?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guests: David Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times, Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times.

Host: Rosie Wright.

Producers: Micaela Arneson and Shabnam Grewal.

Read more: Trump to claim taking Tylenol in pregnancy is linked to autism

Further listening: The momfluencers embracing ‘Make America Healthy Again

Clips: Forbes Breaking News, NBC News, WHAS11, PBS Newshour,New York Post, Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Fridman, Club Random with Bill Maher, MSNBC, ABC News, ITV News.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

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