Coca-Cola CEO Presents Trump with Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke Bottle
(Credit: Getty Images Joe Raedle)
The Coca-Cola Company, which once condemned the January 6 Capitol attack, appears to have shifted its stance, now playing a role in celebrating President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
“Tonight, President Trump received the first-ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle from the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey,” shared Trump campaign spokeswoman Margo Martin on Tuesday. She included an image of Trump and Quincey seated together with the custom Diet Coke bottle, which featured Trump’s name, the date of his inauguration, and an image of the White House.
Trump’s affinity for Diet Coke is well known, even to the point that he installed a button on the Resolute Desk during his presidency to summon a freshly chilled can. Reports indicate this button is set to be reinstated once he reenters the Oval Office.
The commemorative bottle and associated photo-op mark a notable shift from Coca-Cola’s stance four years ago. Following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, the company issued a strong condemnation of the violent events and Trump’s election conspiracy theories. At the time, Coca-Cola called the attack “an offense to democracy.”
“For nearly 250 years, the United States of America has stood as a beacon for democracy, shining a light for the world on how differing perspectives and ideas can strengthen society,” Coca-Cola said in its 2021 statement. “We are all stunned by the unlawful and violent events that unfolded in Washington, D.C.
With the election results now certified, we have faith in America’s democratic institutions to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and allow the U.S. to move forward together as one nation.” Despite its earlier criticism, Coca-Cola is now among the corporations engaging with Trump’s inauguration.
The move aligns with a broader trend of CEOs, including some who were previously critical of Trump, contributing significant sums to support the inauguration.
The decision to present Trump with a personalized Diet Coke bottle is being viewed as symbolic of the evolving relationship between Trump and corporate America, reflecting a shift from outrage to collaboration. This development underscores the complex interplay of business, politics, and public image as Trump prepares to assume the presidency once again.
