Trump Defends Soda Habit, Claims It Kills Cancer Cells

The former president joked that diet soda can't be unhealthy because it kills grass, so 'it must kill cancer cells inside the body'.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:27pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, where the outline of a soda can is defined entirely by glowing, vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the shape and electricity of the object.The former president's unsubstantiated claims about soda's health benefits highlight the ongoing challenges of combating misinformation, even from high-profile figures.Chicago Today

In a podcast interview, former President Donald Trump claimed that his fondness for diet soda is actually a health strategy, arguing that since the soda can kill grass when poured on a lawn, 'it must kill cancer cells inside the body.' Trump's comments were met with skepticism from medical experts, who stressed that there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that soda, diet or otherwise, prevents or treats cancer.

Why it matters

Trump's unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of his soda habit highlight the ongoing challenges of combating misinformation, especially when it comes from high-profile public figures. While the potential health risks of artificial sweeteners and sugary drinks continue to be studied, physicians warn that there is zero scientific basis for calling soda a 'cancer killer'.

The details

During an interview on Donald Trump Jr.'s podcast, former President Trump told Dr. Mehmet Oz that he drinks diet soda because he believes it can kill cancer cells. Trump said he noticed that when he pours diet soda on his lawn, 'it kills the grass,' and therefore 'it must kill cancer cells inside the body.' Oz, who now heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recalled confronting Trump about his soda habit aboard Air Force One, to which Trump allegedly grinned and reiterated his claim that Fanta 'kills cancer cells.'

  • In a recent podcast interview

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is known for his unconventional views and statements.

Mehmet Oz

A cardiothoracic surgeon and former TV host who now heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Zachary Rubin

A Chicago-based immunologist who mocked Trump's lawn analogy, saying that by the same logic, bleach would be a 'superfood'.

Karoline Leavitt

The current White House Press Secretary, who said that Trump was telling a joke about his soda habit.

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What they’re saying

“As we all know, the president has a very good sense of humor. I have heard him tell this joke before.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“By the same logic, bleach would be a 'superfood'.”

— Zachary Rubin, Chicago immunologist

The takeaway

While Trump's comments about the health benefits of his soda habit were likely intended as a joke, they highlight the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation, especially when it comes from high-profile public figures. Medical experts have stressed that there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that soda, diet or otherwise, prevents or treats cancer, and they warn that such claims can be potentially harmful.