On Tuesday, The Coca-Cola Company presented Donald Trump with a personalized Diet Coke bottle, honoring his long-standing love for the beverage. The move quickly sparked mixed reactions online.
While Trump supporters praised the gesture as a fun promotional stunt, critics were outraged, particularly recalling the company’s condemnation of Trump four years ago following his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Margo Martin, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, shared images of the event on social media, showing Trump with Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey holding what Martin described as “the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.” The bottle’s label featured Trump’s name, the date of his upcoming second inauguration, and an image of the White House.
During his first term, Trump was known for drinking up to 12 Diet Cokes a day and even had a button installed on his Resolute Desk to summon a butler for his favorite drink.
On social media, critics accused companies of “ass-licking” Trump in anticipation of his potential return to the Oval Office. Some pointed to previous remarks from Trump, including a 2012 tweet where he criticized Coca-Cola and expressed his indifference to their dissatisfaction. Others called for a boycott of the company. The group Republicans Against Trump also chimed in, saying, “Well, here’s another reason to drink water… or beer.”
