Trump Believes Diet Soda Kills Cancer Cells, Dr. Oz Reveals

The president's wild theory about the carbonated beverage's health benefits

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:55am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, with a glowing neon outline of a soda can against a dark background, conceptually representing the president's claims about diet soda's ability to kill cancer cells.The president's unorthodox beliefs about the health benefits of diet soda raise concerns about the influence of misinformation from the highest levels of government.Washington Today

In a recent interview, Dr. Mehmet Oz shared that President Donald Trump believes drinking diet soda is good for him because he thinks it 'kills cancer cells.' Trump reportedly told Oz this theory while they were on Air Force One, and also insisted the Fanta he was drinking was 'fresh squeezed, so how bad could it be for you?'

Why it matters

Trump's unorthodox health beliefs and diet choices have long been a source of public fascination and concern. As the leader of the country, the president's personal health habits and medical claims can have a significant influence on public perception and behavior, especially around issues of nutrition and wellness.

The details

During an appearance on Donald Trump Jr.'s podcast 'Triggered With Don Jr.,' Dr. Oz revealed that Trump had shared his theory about diet soda killing cancer cells during a recent conversation on Air Force One. Oz said Trump had a Fanta orange soda on his desk and told Oz, 'You know, this stuff's good for me. It kills cancer cells.' Trump also insisted the Fanta was 'fresh squeezed, so how bad could it be for you?'

  • The conversation between Trump and Oz took place recently on Air Force One.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th and 47th President of the United States, known for his unconventional health beliefs and diet choices, including a reported fondness for diet soda.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A cardiothoracic surgeon, television personality, and administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, who revealed Trump's diet soda theory in a recent interview.

Donald Trump Jr.

The eldest son of President Donald Trump, who defended his father's health habits and 'Make America Healthy Again' movement during the interview with Dr. Oz.

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What they’re saying

“Your dad argues that diet soda is good for him because it kills grass, if poured on grass, so, therefore, it must kill cancer cells.”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

“He says, 'You know, this stuff's good for me. It kills cancer cells.'”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

“It's fresh squeezed, so how bad could it be for you?”

— Donald Trump

“Maybe he's onto something. Because I will say this: I know a lot of guys pushing 80 [and] not a lot have his level of energy, recall, stamina.”

— Donald Trump Jr.

“I think even if he's not going to adhere to a perfect diet himself, I think he wants people to at least have the knowledge.”

— Donald Trump Jr.

What’s next

It remains to be seen if President Trump will continue to promote his unorthodox health beliefs about diet soda, or if his administration will take a more evidence-based approach to public health messaging.

The takeaway

Trump's unconventional views on nutrition and wellness, including his belief that diet soda can kill cancer cells, highlight the challenges of promoting science-backed health information from the highest levels of government. As a public figure, the president's personal habits and medical claims can have a significant influence, for better or worse, on how the public perceives issues of health and wellness.