Trump Claims ‘Answer to Autism’ During Charlie Kirk Memorial
Donald Trump sparked controversy during a speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, claiming he believes “they’ve found the answer” to autism.
The memorial honored the 31-year-old, who was fatally shot on September 10. Trump said:
“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 bugging everybody over there. Get the answer to autism. How to help children, how to prevent it—biggest priority for families.”
Understanding Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong developmental condition affecting an estimated one in 31 children. It occurs more than three times as often in boys than girls, according to the CDC.
Research shows that ASD exists across all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. Despite some conspiracy claims, extensive studies confirm no link between vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and autism, according to CNN Health.
Trump and the Controversial Claims
Earlier this year, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who served as Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary, said he and his team would tackle the so-called “autism epidemic.” He claimed hundreds of scientists would investigate the causes of ASD and that the HHS would eliminate any identified sources.
Trump also suggested that autism stems from environmental toxins, alleging:
“Somebody made it and put that environmental toxin into our air or water or medicines or food.”
This month, the Washington Post reported that Trump is expected to link Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism risks, contradicting established medical guidance. The Guardian notes that medical authorities consider Tylenol (acetaminophen/paracetamol) safe for pregnant women.
Experts Push Back
Experts have pushed back on these claims. M. Remi Yergeau, a Carleton University professor and Canada Research Chair in Critical Disability Studies, refuted RFK Jr.’s suggestion of an ongoing autism “epidemic” in the U.S.
Honoring Charlie Kirk
Beyond autism, Trump addressed Kirk’s family directly:
“To Charlie’s parents, who lost their beloved son, and to the entire Kirk family, we know that no words could ever be enough to fill the void he leaves behind. That’s a void that just can’t be filled. But I hope the extraordinary outpouring of emotion over these past 11 days has comforted you with the knowledge that your son brought more good and love into this world in his 31 short years than most people, even very, very successful people, can bring in a lifetime.”
