Autism and Tylenol, Jimmy Kimmel Returns, Trump At The UN

Summary

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Up First – September 23, 2025

Podcast: Up First from NPR
Hosts: Layla Fadel, Michelle Martin
Main Stories: Autism and Tylenol, Jimmy Kimmel Returns, Trump at the UN

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Overview

This episode of NPR’s Up First unpacks three major topics dominating the news:

• President Trump’s controversial statements and policy changes linking Tylenol to autism, and the scientific response.
• The return of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to ABC following a suspension over comments about Trump and the fallout around free speech.
• President Trump’s appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, amid America’s evolving diplomatic position on the recognition of a Palestinian state and ongoing international security concerns.

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1. Trump’s Claims Linking Tylenol to Autism

Main Points:

• President Trump made public statements blaming Tylenol (acetaminophen) for causing autism, especially warning pregnant women to avoid it.
• He announced policy moves regarding warning labels for Tylenol and the expansion of a cancer drug for autism treatment with no formal approval process.
• NPR breaks down the scientific consensus, pointing out the lack of strong evidence behind these claims and highlighting expert opinions.

Timestamps & Key Insights:

• Introduction of Topic: 00:02–00:16

  • Quote – Donald Trump (00:05): "Taking Tylenol is not good. All right, I'll say it. It's not good."
  • Michelle Martin clarifies there is no scientific proof for Trump’s claim (00:12).

• Trump’s Statements & Proposed Policy: 03:03–03:23

  • Quote – Trump (03:11): "You shouldn't take it during the entire pregnancy... and you shouldn't give the child Tylenol... every time he goes and has a shot."
  • Trump suggests using a cancer drug (leucovorin/folinic acid) as an autism treatment, with immediate Medicaid coverage, despite lack of standard FDA review.

• Scientific Response: 03:32–06:32

  • John Hamilton, NPR's science correspondent, explains:
    • The FDA's official statement is less forceful, allowing for some Tylenol use when appropriate (03:47–04:15).
    • There’s no solid causal evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. Randomized controlled trials (the scientific “gold standard”) have not been conducted; existing studies are only potentially associative and inconsistent (05:04–05:34).
    • Genetics, not Tylenol, are the strongest predictor for autism, as explained with reference to recent sibling-based studies (05:34–06:01).
  • Quote – Ann Bauer (epidemiologist, 06:20): "The case is closed on vaccines. The case is still open on acetaminophen."
    • Bauer notes the risk, if any, remains highly uncertain and not actionable at this time.

Notable Moments:

• The FDA’s lack of formal process before implementing these label changes is called out by John Hamilton (04:15–04:32).
• The segment underscores the risk of politicizing health policy without scientific consensus.

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2. Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC – Free Speech and Media Fallout

Main Points:

• Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is reinstated on ABC following a week-long suspension after he mocked Trump’s reaction to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
• The suspension, celebrated by Trump and under FCC scrutiny, stirs a national debate about free speech, corporate responsibility, and governmental influence on media.
• While ABC restores Kimmel’s show, the Sinclair Broadcast Group will not air it in numerous markets.

Timestamps & Key Insights:

• Background: 06:44–07:18

  • Layla Fadel recaps the show's suspension after Kimmel's pointed monologue against Trump and “MAGA” using Kirk’s death for political leverage.
  • FCC chair Brendan Carr was accused of threatening affiliates over Kimmel’s comments (07:09).

• Reinstatement and Reaction: 07:26–09:52

  • Mandalit del Barco reports Disney’s initial concern was about inflaming tensions but decided to reinstate the show after discussions (07:26–08:10).
  • Sinclair’s decision to keep Kimmel off 30 local ABC channels means the show remains unavailable in many southern and midwestern markets (08:10).
  • FCC’s Brendan Carr denies making overt threats; his comments from the Concordia Summit are played (08:45).
    • Quote – Brendan Carr (08:45): "There’s a lot of Democrats out there that are engaged in a campaign of projection and distortion... misrepresenting the work of the FCC."
  • Democratic FCC member Anna Gomez calls Kimmel’s suspension "an alarming attack on the First Amendment" and thanks the broad coalition who spoke up for Kimmel (08:58).
  • Public and industry outcry included an open letter from 500 entertainers and bipartisan protests about the precedent for free speech (09:16).
  • Quote – Jon Stewart (09:52): "Jimmy Kimmel Live will return to air on ABC tomorrow, Tuesday night. Come on. Yes, sir. As well he should be."
  • Quote – Stephen Colbert (as recounted, 09:52): "Our long national late nightmare is over." Colbert jokes about being “the only martyr in late night” as his own CBS show faces cancellation.

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3. Trump at the United Nations

Main Points:

• President Trump is in New York to address world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.
• The US is increasingly isolated as more allies recognize Palestinian statehood, a position the US refuses to endorse.
• Tensions continue over the war in Ukraine, NATO’s response to Russian provocations, and US skepticism about multilateral diplomacy.

Timestamps & Key Insights:

• Trump Previews UN Visit: 00:36–00:43, 10:39–10:54
  • Quote – President Trump (10:47): "I'm going to meet with a lot of the leaders at the UN but one of probably 20 everybody wants to be, but I'm one person."
• Geopolitical Context: 11:03–12:43
  • Franco Ordoñez, NPR White House correspondent, details that the UK's and Canada's moves to recognize Palestine have "boxed [the US] out," increasing pressure on Israel and isolating the US (11:15).
  • Trump regards this as rewarding Hamas and insists on hostage release first, planning to press allies to be more proactive (11:15–11:34).
• UN Meetings and Global Conflict:
  • Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders from eight Middle Eastern and Muslim nations (including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia), Ukraine, Argentina, and the European Union (11:38–12:11).
  • Frustrations over Russia and Ukraine may lead to further talk of sanctions, but Trump often wants Europe to “do more first” (12:11).
  • Three Russian jets entered Estonia’s airspace, prompting an emergency UN Security Council meeting (12:23). Analysts worry a weak NATO response could embolden Moscow further. Ordoñez will monitor Trump’s position (12:23–12:43).
• Trump’s Attitude Toward the UN: 12:43–13:16
  • Trump has long been skeptical of multilateral institutions, cutting UN funding and preferring bilateral negotiations. The upcoming speech will highlight his views on the "decay" of globalist institutions (12:43–13:16).
• Upcoming Diplomatic Meetings: 13:19–13:54
  • Later in the week: meeting with Turkey’s President Erdogan, likely focusing on trade and Russia’s oil exports; planned meeting next week with Israel’s PM Netanyahu to resist international recognition of a Palestinian state (13:19–13:54).

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on Tylenol: (00:05)
  “Taking Tylenol is not good. All right, I'll say it. It's not good.”
• Ann Bauer (UMass epidemiologist): (06:20)
  “The case is closed on vaccines. The case is still open on acetaminophen.”
• Jon Stewart on Kimmel’s Return: (09:52)
  “Jimmy Kimmel Live will return to air on ABC tomorrow, Tuesday night. Come on. Yes, sir. As well he should be.”
• Stephen Colbert (as recounted): (09:52)
  “Our long national late nightmare is over.”
• Brendan Carr, FCC Chair: (08:45)
  “There’s a lot of Democrats out there that are engaged in a campaign of projection and distortion... misrepresenting the work of the FCC.”
• Trump on UN Meetings: (10:47)
  “I'm going to meet with a lot of the leaders at the UN but one of probably 20 everybody wants to be, but I'm one person.”

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Summary Flow & Key Takeaways

• The episode confronts the increasing overlap of politics, health, and media: Trump’s health statements are rebuffed by science but are being pushed quickly into policy, stoking controversy among experts.
• Jimmy Kimmel’s abrupt removal and reinstatement ignite debate over free speech, political influence over media, and the limits of corporate caution, with strong reactions across the political and entertainment spectrum.
• At the UN, the US faces new diplomatic realities as former allies break ranks on Palestine; Trump remains skeptical of multilateralism, focusing on one-on-one negotiations and prioritizing US-centric foreign policy, while global security concerns over Russia and NATO continue to loom.

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Episode Useful For:

• Listeners wanting a concise but detailed overview of current intersections between health misinformation, media freedom, and international diplomacy in the US political landscape.
• Anyone following the evolving debates around public health recommendations, free speech in broadcasting, and shifts in US global leadership.

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Transcript

[Layla Falden]

President Trump says this about Tylenol.

[President Trump]

Taking Tylenol is not good. All right, I'll say it. It's not good.

[Michelle Martin]

He linked it to autism, but the science does not prove that claim.

[Layla Falden]

I'm Layla Falden, that's Michelle Martin, and this is up first from NPR News. Jimmy Kimmel will be back on some ABC channels tonight, but the broadcaster that owns the largest number of affiliates says it won't air the late night comedian's.

[Michelle Martin]

And President Trump will address world leaders at the United Nations General assembly today.

[President Trump]

I'm going to meet with a lot of the leaders at the UN but one, probably 20. Everybody wants to meet, but I'm one person.

[Michelle Martin]

He speaks as more and more U.S. allies recognize a Palestinian sovereign state. It's a position the US Refuses to take. Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.

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[John Hamilton]

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[Layla Falden]

Active ingredient in Tylenol for causing autism, and he especially warned pregnant women to avoid the drug. Science, though, doesn't back him up.

[President Trump]

And you shouldn't take it during the entire pregnancy. They may tell you that toward the end of the pregnancy you shouldn't take it during the entire and you shouldn't give the child Tylenol. Every time he goes, he's born and he goes and has a shot.

[Michelle Martin]

Trump also suggested that a cancer drug might relieve some symptoms of autism, and he repeated a favorite talking point, that vaccines are harming children.

[Layla Falden]

Joining me now to break down the president's advice is NPR science correspondent John Hamilton, who's with me in the studio.

[Michelle Martin]

Good morning, John.

[John Hamilton]

Good morning to you.

[Layla Falden]

So first, exactly how does the president expect to get people to go along with these recommendations?

[John Hamilton]

Largely through changing the labels on these drugs and also changing payment policies. So for acetaminophen, that's the active ingredient in Tylenol, Trump said the Food and Drug Administration will now require the label to warn pregnant women about a risk of autism. The fda, however, later issued a statement that was a bit less strident than the president's remarks that we just heard. It says the pain drug may be associated with an increased risk, and it said it was reasonable for pregnant women to take acetaminophen in certain scenarios. And as for the cancer drug, which is a form of vitamin B, the label will now list autism as one of the approved uses, and Trump says Medicaid will now cover it for this purpose. It is worth noting that there has been no formal process for any of this, like an FDA hearing, and they are making the labeling changes anyway.

[Layla Falden]

Okay. So we heard that the science doesn't back it up. There's been no formal process. So to say the least, this is controversial advice. Is there good science at all supporting either of these recommendations?

[John Hamilton]

Well, let's start with the cancer drug, which is called leucovorin or folinic acid. It seems to help get a form of vitamin B into the brain. But it's not clear how many people with autism actually have a deficiency of that vitamin in their brains. And there are really only anecdotal reports that the drug reduces the symptoms of autism.

[Layla Falden]

And what about Tylenol?

[John Hamilton]

There is some evidence, but it's not the sort that federal agencies usually require before making recommendation. The government likes a randomized controlled trial studying something showing cause and effect. What they've got here is some studies of pregnant women that found a potential association between taking acetaminophen during pregnancy and an increased likelihood that a child would later be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Other studies, though, have not found this association. And the reason for these inconsistent results may have to do with a person's genes, which are far and away the most powerful predictor of autism. I spoke with Jonathan Sebud. He's a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. There have been a number of more recent studies of acetaminophen that actually account for familial genetic factors. So they look at siblings and other first degree relatives. And when you do that, the correlation with acetaminophen really weakens.

[Layla Falden]

Are there any credible scientists, John, who think Tylenol might contribute to autism?

[John Hamilton]

There are some, but they generally disagree with Trump on vaccines, and they are a lot more measured in how they express the risk from acetaminophen. I spoke with Ann Bauer, an epidemiologist at the University of Massachusetts.

[Mandalit del Barco]

The case is closed on vaccines. The case is still open on acetaminophen.

[John Hamilton]

Bowers says women should know about the potential risk, but she says they should also know that there is still a lot of uncertainty about that risk.

[Layla Falden]

NPR health correspondent John Hamilton. Thank you, John.

[John Hamilton]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

Jimmy Kimmel LIVE will be back on the air tonight, nearly a week after the late night show was pulled off the air.

[Layla Falden]

During his monologue last week, Kimmel made fun of Trump's reaction to the Charlie Kirk killing and accused MAGA of using his death to score political points. The chair of the Federal Communications Commission made what seemed to be a public threat to ABC over the comments, and some affiliates urged the corporation to do something. Kimmel's show was yanked.

[Michelle Martin]

Now the show is back on, but not everywhere. Joining us to talk about all the back and forth is NPR's Madelit del Barco, who is with us from Los Angeles. Good morning, Mandalit.

[Mandalit del Barco]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So for people who might not know, the Walt Disney Co. Owns ABC. So what did Disney say about putting Kimmel's show back on the air?

[Mandalit del Barco]

Yeah, the Walt Disney Company said in a statement that it had originally suspended the show because they felt some of Jimmy Kimmel's comments were, quote, ill timed and insensitive. And they wanted to, in their words, avoid further inflaming a tense situation and an emotional moment for our country. But after days of thoughtful conversations with Kimmel, Disney said it decided to return the show on air. But, you know, even so, one of the larger broadcast affiliate owners Sinclair says it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live on its ABC stations in 30 markets. That means the show will be unavailable to viewers in many parts of the country, mostly in the south and the Midwest. And for now, at least, Sinclair will replace Jimmy Kimmel Live with news programming.

[Michelle Martin]

You know, people may remember that President Trump had celebrated the decision to suspend Kimmel's show. And the chair of the fcc, Brendan Carr, reportedly threatened affiliates that he might take their licenses or fine them if they kept it on the air. But yesterday, apparently, he had a different message.

[Mandalit del Barco]

Yeah, so last week, Carr was on a podcast saying that pulling Kimmel off the air could be done the easy way or the hard way. But yesterday, Carr said that those comments were not met as a threat to ABC affiliates. And on his X account, he posted what he said at a global affairs forum called the Concordia Summit.

[President Trump]

The reality is there's a lot of Democrats out there that are engaged in a campaign of projection and distortion, and distortion is they're completely misrepresenting the work of the FCC and what we've been doing.

[Mandalit del Barco]

You know, Anna Gomez, the only Democrat on the fcc, had said Kimmel's suspension was an alarming attack on the First Amendment. She celebrated Kimmel's return and she thanked Americans from across the ideological spectacle spectrum for speaking out.

[Michelle Martin]

So, Mondali, what about other reaction, you know, elsewhere to the news about Kimmel?

[Mandalit del Barco]

Yeah. Before the show was reinstated yesterday, nearly 500 entertainers that include Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez and Olivia Rodrigo, had signed an open letter asking for Kimmel's return. Protesters around the country, including some conservatives, had been worried about what taking the show off the air meant for free speech in this country. And Kimmel's fellow late night hosts had backed him up. Last night, Jon Stewart celebrated the news of his return, and he asked President Trump's defenders to join in fighting for the constitutional republic. In his monologue, Stephen Colbert cheered, saying, our long national late nightmare is over.

[President Trump]

Jimmy Kimmel Live will return to air on ABC tomorrow, Tuesday night. Come on. Yes, sir. As well he should be. This is. I just couldn't. This is wonderful news for my dear friend Jimmy and his amazing staff. They continue their show.

[Mandalit del Barco]

So Colbert, whose show is being canceled by cbs, joked that he's once again the only martyr in late night. And now many people are waiting to see what Jimmy Kimmel has to say when he returns later today.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Mandali del Barco. Mandalit. Thank you.

[Mandalit del Barco]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump is in New York this morning where he will address world leaders at the United Nations General assembly and meet privately with some in the afternoon.

[President Trump]

I'm going to meet with a lot of the leaders at the UN but one of probably 20 everybody wants to be, but I'm one person.

[Layla Falden]

This comes as Trump is finding the US increasingly isolated at the UN where there is a growing push to recognize a Palestinian state.

[Michelle Martin]

Here to tell us more about all this is White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. Franco, good morning.

[Franco Ordonez]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So how is this move by the UK And Canada and others to recognize a Palestinian state having an impact?

[Franco Ordonez]

I mean, well, it really kind of boxes them out. I mean, those leaders want to put more pressure on Israel to end its attacks on Gaza. But Trump sees this as a mistake and says the leaders, like others, are rewarding Hamas. He wants the hostages released first. And this morning he's going to press allies to take more action.

[Michelle Martin]

So we just heard the president say he's going to meet with a lot of leaders. Who is he meeting with?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, he's got a big group meeting today with eight allies from the Middle east and Muslim world, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. He's also got one on one meetings scheduled with the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina and the European Union. And I expect him here to talk about how the war in Ukraine could continues to frustrate him. And I'll be very interested to see if that frustration manifests itself into action because he's threatened tougher sanctions on Russia, but he's always or often backed off, saying Europe needs to do more first.

[Michelle Martin]

Speaking of Russia, as we've been reporting, Putin continues to test NATO allies. Three Russian jets were intercepted flying into Estonia's airspace on Friday. Any sense of how that is going to play out this week in New York?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I mean, NATO has really, really struggled to come up with a proper response to those incursions. Estonia actually called in emergency meeting at the UN Security Council to talk about it. And analysts I speak with warn that allies actually risk emboldening Russia if they don't take strong action and soon. So I'll be watching, see how Trump addresses that.

[Michelle Martin]

So say a little bit about Trump's relationship with the U.N. yeah, I mean.

[Franco Ordonez]

He'S really never had much use for the U.N. i mean, he cut U.S. funding for the body earlier this year. He's long questioned the usefulness of these group talks, these group diplomatic talks. And he really, really likes negotiating one on one. And I think we'll about his feelings about the UN in this speech. The White House says that part of this speech this morning will center on the problems with what they called globalist institutions and how they have, quote, decayed the world order.

[Michelle Martin]

And what is he planning to do after all these meetings?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I mean, this is really the start of a busy week of foreign affairs. On Thursday, back at the White House, he's going to be meeting with President Erdogan of Turkey. They're expected to talk trade, but I'll be interested to see how much Russia is discussed. Turkey is obviously a NATO member and one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil. So I'll be listening to see if Trump puts more pressure on Erdogan to stop buying oil, as he has other NATO countries. And next week, Trump is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And I think you can expect Trump and Netanyahu to together push back against this international pressure for Palestinian statehood.

[Michelle Martin]

That is White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. Franco, thank you.

[Franco Ordonez]

Thank you, Michel.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up for us for Tuesday, September 23rd. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Layla Falden]

And I'm Layla Falden. The NPR network includes the work we do here at NPR and the work of reporters at stations across the country. Support that [e-mail] upfirst.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of UPFIRST was edited by Amina Khan, Kevin Drew, Roberta Rampton, Mohamed El Bardisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Xian Buch, Ana Perez and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zach Coleman, and our technical director is Carly Strange. We hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

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