During a recent episode of his podcast, Dr. Mehmet Oz shared insights into former President Donald Trump’s unconventional views on diet soda consumption, revealing that Trump controversially believes the beverage may help combat cancer. Oz conveyed these remarks during a conversation with Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., drawing attention to the former president’s penchant for junk food and soft drinks.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Donald-Trump-luncheon-2025-soda-Resolute-Desk-2018-041426-ea1ac65fc0374a32907b7dcdb8a3ebf4.jpg)
According to Oz, Trump has humorously asserted that diet soda is beneficial for his health, claiming it can kill cancer cells just as it would eliminate grass if spilled on a lawn. During an encounter on Air Force One, Oz recounted an incident where he found Trump sipping an orange soft drink. “He started to sheepishly grin,” Oz recounted, as Trump defended his choice by stating, “You know, this stuff’s good for me; it kills cancer cells.”
The discussion also highlighted Trump’s notorious choice of beverages, particularly the orange soda Fanta. Trump joked to Oz that drinks made with “fresh squeezed” orange juice, even if that meant from concentrate, couldn’t possibly be detrimental to his health.
While Oz and Trump Jr. engaged in light-hearted banter regarding the president’s health, the younger Trump pointed out that many men in their late seventies do not exhibit Trump’s high energy levels and stamina. This remark spotlighted the ongoing conversation about health and longevity, especially concerning those in advanced age.
These comments from Oz come amid broader discussions about health and nutrition, particularly within the context of the United States’ recent revamp of dietary guidelines by the Department of Health and Human Services. The new guidelines advocate for a greater focus on whole and nutrient-rich foods, while encouraging a drastic reduction in highly processed products. “American households must prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods,” stated Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in January.
Trump’s well-documented affinity for unhealthy food and drink extends back to his presidency, where he famously installed a “Diet Coke button” on his desk to facilitate instant access to his drink of choice. This button made a return when Trump resumed office in January. As part of a celebration of his second term, Coca-Cola presented him with a limited-edition Diet Coke bottle to commemorate the occasion, continuing a tradition established during George W. Bush’s presidency.
As a self-proclaimed germaphobe, Trump has justified his fast-food choices by highlighting the quality control associated with large chain restaurants. Oz reflected on Trump’s mindset, suggesting that his preference for well-known brands stemmed from a desire to avoid potential food safety issues. “He eats junk food because it’s food made in large, reputable chains,” Oz stated, adding that Trump feels assured about cleanliness when dining at such establishments.
Trump’s relationship with food has been the subject of scrutiny and discussion for many years. In their 2017 book, “Let Trump Be Trump”, former aides David Bossie and Corey Lewandowski noted that Trump’s personal plane was stocked primarily with McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, pizza, and, notably, Diet Coke.
In light of these revelations about his health beliefs, the White House has not yet commented on Trump’s claims regarding the purported cancer-fighting abilities of diet soda. This assertion follows a pattern of previous controversial statements by Trump, including a notorious suggestion made in 2020 about the potential benefits of disinfectant injections for fighting COVID-19.
As the discourse surrounding health and nutrition continues to evolve, Trump’s idiosyncratic views on dietary habits add a spirited layer to ongoing debates over food safety and public health. Such discussions not only contribute to the understanding of individual health choices but also reflect wider societal attitudes towards nutrition and wellness in America.