When you think of a wealthy businessman and president, you might imagine expensive wines or fancy cocktails as their drink of choice. But Donald Trump breaks this expectation in a surprising way – he doesn’t drink alcohol at all. Instead, his beverage of choice is something much more ordinary that many Americans drink every day: Diet Coke. And his dedication to this fizzy drink goes far beyond just casual consumption.
The story behind Trump’s no-alcohol stance
Donald Trump’s preference for non-alcoholic beverages stems from a deeply personal family experience. His older brother, Fred Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism throughout his life and passed away in 1981 at the age of 43. This tragic loss had a profound impact on Donald Trump, leading him to make a lifelong commitment to avoid alcohol completely.
The decision to abstain from alcohol shaped Trump’s beverage choices both in his business career and during his presidency. Unlike many previous presidents who enjoyed various alcoholic drinks, from George Washington’s porter beer to FDR’s martinis, Trump sought alternatives that would become his signature drinks.
While some might view not drinking alcohol as a limitation, Trump turned it into a strength. He often credited his clear-headed approach to business and decision-making to his choice to avoid alcohol. This stance influenced his daily habits and led him to discover his now-famous fondness for Diet Coke.
His commitment to staying alcohol-free hasn’t wavered over the decades, even during social events and official functions where drinking is common. Instead of wine or champagne, Trump would often be seen with his familiar silver can of Diet Coke, making it his personal trademark.
A presidential button just for Diet Coke
During his time in the White House, Trump’s love for Diet Coke reached new heights. One of the most talked-about features of his Oval Office setup was a special button installed on his desk. But this wasn’t just any button – it was specifically designed to summon a fresh Diet Coke whenever he wanted one.
This unique addition to the presidential desk became a point of fascination for visitors and media alike. The button, when pressed, would alert White House staff that the president needed his favorite beverage, ensuring a constant supply throughout his busy days.
The Diet Coke button showed just how integrated this beverage had become in Trump’s daily routine. White House staff members knew to keep a steady supply of the drink chilled and ready, understanding that it was an essential part of the president’s day-to-day operations.
This custom setup in the Oval Office sparked countless conversations and became a symbol of how even presidents have their own unique preferences and habits. The button remained a talking point throughout his presidency, highlighting how something as simple as a soda preference can become part of presidential lore.
The daily dozen Diet Cokes
Trump’s consumption of Diet Coke wasn’t just casual – it was reportedly quite substantial. According to various accounts from his time in office, he would drink up to twelve cans of Diet Coke daily. This amount raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about his beverage habits.
The quantity seemed surprising even to those who knew about his fondness for the drink. While other presidents had their drink preferences, none had shown such dedication to a single beverage, consuming it in such large quantities throughout the day.
Staff members would ensure that Trump’s Diet Coke was served at the perfect temperature, and the drink would accompany him to meetings, events, and even international trips. The silver can became as much a part of his presidential image as his signature red tie.
His consistent consumption of Diet Coke throughout the day became part of his routine, much like how others might rely on coffee or tea to get through their workday. It was a habit that followed him from his business career into the White House and beyond.
The commemorative Diet Coke honor
Trump’s association with Diet Coke reached a unique milestone when Coca-Cola created something special just for him. The company presented him with the first-ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke, marking a historic moment in the relationship between a president and their preferred beverage.
This special recognition came directly from the top of Coca-Cola. The company’s CEO personally presented Trump with this unique commemorative bottle, acknowledging his well-known preference for their product.
The creation of a commemorative Diet Coke was a departure from tradition. While Coca-Cola had previously made special bottles for presidential inaugurations, this was the first time they had created one specifically using Diet Coke, making it a truly unique honor.
This special edition bottle became a symbol of how Trump’s drink preference had become part of his public identity. It represented a meeting point between presidential tradition and personal preference, creating a new kind of presidential memorabilia.
How Diet Coke fits into Trump’s daily schedule
Trump’s day typically started early, and Diet Coke played a central role in his daily routine. Unlike many who reach for coffee first thing in the morning, Trump would often start his day with his favorite carbonated beverage, setting a pattern that would continue throughout his waking hours.
During his presidency, the drink would be present at meetings, unlike other presidents who might have chosen coffee or water. The familiar sight of a Diet Coke can or glass became a constant presence in photos and videos from the Oval Office.
His preference for Diet Coke extended to formal events and state dinners. While others might have wine glasses at their place settings, Trump would have his signature drink ready. This consistency in his beverage choice became part of his presidential style.
Even during late-night work sessions or crisis meetings, Diet Coke remained his drink of choice. The carbonated beverage served as his constant companion through long days of presidential duties and responsibilities.
What makes Diet Coke different from regular Coke
Diet Coke has its own unique formula that sets it apart from regular Coca-Cola. Created in 1982, it wasn’t simply a sugar-free version of the original Coke but was developed with its own distinct taste profile. This unique taste appears to be what caught and kept Trump’s attention.
The drink uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar or corn syrup, giving it zero calories. This aspect might have appealed to Trump, who has always been image-conscious and mindful of his public appearance.
Many Diet Coke fans say they prefer its sharper, more defined taste compared to regular Coca-Cola. The drink has a lighter feel and a more pronounced citrus note, which some find more refreshing than the original version.
The caffeine content in Diet Coke is also slightly higher than in regular Coke, which might explain why some people, including Trump, seem to rely on it throughout their day as an energy boost.
How staff handled the Diet Coke demands
Keeping up with Trump’s Diet Coke consumption required careful planning and coordination among White House staff. They needed to ensure a constant supply was available, properly chilled, and ready to serve at a moment’s notice, whether in the Oval Office, at meetings, or during travel.
The staff developed specific protocols for serving the drink. They knew exactly how Trump preferred it – in a glass with ice when at dinner or formal events, and straight from the can during regular work hours.
During travel, advance teams would make sure Diet Coke was available wherever Trump went. This meant coordinating with hotels, event venues, and even foreign governments to ensure his preferred drink would be readily available.
The attention to detail extended to temperature preferences and serving methods. Staff members knew precisely how cold the drink should be and would time the service to ensure it was at the optimal temperature when it reached Trump.
Trump’s Diet Coke through the years
Trump’s relationship with Diet Coke didn’t start in the White House – it goes back many years. Long before his presidency, he was known to keep his office stocked with the beverage, making it a constant presence throughout his business career.
During his time on “The Apprentice,” the drink would often be visible on his desk, becoming part of his on-screen image. This consistency in his beverage choice has been a notable aspect of his public persona for decades.
Even after leaving the White House, Trump maintained his dedication to Diet Coke. The drink continues to be his beverage of choice at public appearances and private gatherings, showing that this wasn’t just a presidential preference but a genuine personal choice.
His long-standing loyalty to the brand has made him perhaps the most famous Diet Coke drinker in the world. While others might change their drink preferences over time, Trump’s commitment to Diet Coke has remained steadfast.
Donald Trump’s relationship with Diet Coke shows how something as simple as a beverage choice can become part of a president’s identity. From the special button in the Oval Office to the commemorative bottle created in his honor, his preference for this everyday drink has added an unexpected chapter to presidential history. It reminds us that even those in the highest office can have surprisingly ordinary tastes, making them more relatable to average Americans who might share the same everyday preferences.
