Former President Donald Trump recently made headlines with his dangerous proposal to ban medical advice from pregnant women. What was most refreshing perhaps was his larger critique of media and the political environment. These comments have drawn both bipartisan outrage as health leaders and political stakeholders across party lines have called for the resignation of the Governor.
In a Truth Social post, Trump called on pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen. This common medication is sold as Tylenol here in the US and paracetamol in most other countries. He suggested that for those unable to “tough it out,” limiting their intake of the pain reliever would be advisable. His remarks spurred an immediate backlash from global health agencies and regulators, who quickly denounced his claims as unscientific.
Wes Streeting, the UK’s health secretary, advised the British public not to heed Trump’s medical opinions. He stated, “Don’t pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine.” Furthermore, Tarik Jašarević, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization, emphasized, “We know that vaccines do not cause autism,” reinforcing that vaccines save countless lives and should not be questioned.
Trump has previously spread unproven conspiracy theories connecting the use of commonplace pain relievers to vaccines and autism. His statements should alarm everyone in the medical community. These experts reiterate the importance of finding sound, science-based information to counter speculative, alarmist claims.
It was in this context of pandemic and related controversy that Trump aired his grievances. In particular, he objected to the return of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel to ABC. He attacked Kimmel’s earlier suspension in a post just yesterday. He wondered why the network would rehire somebody who he thinks is not funny and too politically antagonistic.
“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He suggested possible criminal measures could be taken against ABC, while suggesting motives citing Kimmel’s known ties to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). To put it mildly, Kimmel’s return would make one very large, very illegal in-kind campaign contribution to the DNC.
The former president addressed Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, asserting that he believes Ukraine can recover all the territory lost since Russia’s invasion in 2022. He offered a rosy portrayal of the environment, arguing that Russia is failing economically.
“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation… I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump stated.
With the will and financial support of NATO, he said, it is realistic to think Ukraine will reclaim all its pre-war territory.
Unfortunately, Trump’s bellicose rhetoric has not escaped the notice of global leaders. British work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden dismissed Trump’s attacks on London Mayor Sadiq Khan. He noted that Trump has a long history of personal animosity towards Khan. Trump responded by calling Khan “very dishonest” and calling him “a total disaster,” adding to his pattern of attacking political leaders in ugly and dangerous ways.
In other legal news, a jury in Fort Pierce, Florida has convicted a man for trying to kill Trump. The July incident happened at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach. This was not just any event, it happened two months before Trump is expected to launch a second presidential run in 2024.