Following a recent statement from the Trump administration warning about acetaminophen—found in Tylenol—potentially increasing autism risk in children, public opinion is divided. A KFF Tracking Poll reveals that only 4% of adults firmly believe in this claim. Meanwhile, 35% call it “definitely false,” and most others are unsure, with 30% saying it could be “probably true” and another 30% saying “probably false.”
Despite ongoing debates, many medical experts stress that no clear evidence links Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism. The statement gained attention during a White House event featuring President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This political backdrop has added to the divide in opinions. For example, 59% of Democrats see the claim as false compared to only 12% of Republicans, where 56% believe it could be true.
In the broader landscape of health information, trust in the CDC has dropped significantly, now standing at its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As of now, only half of Americans trust the CDC to deliver reliable vaccine information. This figure is a steep decline from 57% in July and 63% in September 2023. Among Democrats, trust levels have fallen to 64%, down 24 percentage points since 2023.
Interestingly, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association enjoy greater trust regarding vaccines, with 69% of parents and 64% of all adults expressing confidence in them.
Drew Altman, President of KFF, noted that while trust in official agencies is waning, public confidence grows in professional organizations aimed at ensuring public health.
Other findings from the survey indicate that 43% of respondents support the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. This movement leans heavily Republican, with a majority of its supporters aligning with Trump’s earlier “Make America Great Again” campaign. Meanwhile, 59% of people disapprove of Secretary Kennedy’s overall performance, particularly in vaccine policy, where the disapproval rate is as high as 62%.
Notably, there’s growing resistance against vaccine mandates in schools. A recent trend shows that 70% of parents oppose removing such requirements, as many believe vaccination is vital for community health. Republican parents tend to feel that vaccination is a personal choice, contrasting with Democratic parents who largely support it as a parental responsibility.
This poll was based on a survey conducted with 1,334 U.S. adults from September 23-29, 2025, with a margin of error of ±3%. The changes in trust and attitudes highlight shifting perceptions around vaccines and health policies in an increasingly polarized environment.
For further insights on health trends and vaccination policies, you can visit reputable sources like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
