Public reactions to Trump’s claims linking prenatal acetaminophen use to autism highlight the importance of distinguishing between falsehood and the absence of methodological justification. While current evidence does not establish a causal link, responses framed solely in binary true–false terms may overlook how justification works for reaching evidence-based conclusions. We argue that effective correction should emphasize methodological reliability, thereby strengthening public understanding and trust as evidence evolves.

Paywalled version (BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine): https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2025-114372

Submitted version archived on Zenodo to guarantee Green OA in accordance with the journal’s policies: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18621354

The authors do not have access to the published version due to missing read and publish agreements between their University and the publisher. Absurd and funny, right?