Karoline Leavitt tells reporter to ‘get a better sense of humor’ over Trump’s diet soda remark

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House on Wednesday, April 15, downplayed remarks attributed to President Donald Trump about diet soda killing cancer cells, saying the comment was a joke often repeated by the president.

The clarification came after Mehmet Oz recounted the claim during a podcast interview, sparking questions about whether Trump genuinely believed the statement. 

Karoline Leavitt dismisses Trump diet soda claim

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed aside the claim after a reporter asked, "Trump argued diet soda is good for you because it kills grass, therefore it must kill cancer cells. Is this accurate of what he said?"

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

"It’s one of his most under-reported characteristics, I would say. I think The Wall Street Journal should get a better sense of humor," she added.

Leavitt was responding to questions about comments made by Mehmet Oz during a podcast hosted by Donald Trump Jr., where the claim was brought up.

Mehmet Oz recounts Trump Air Force One remark

In the interview, Oz described an exchange with Trump aboard Air Force One, where the president reportedly defended his drink choice.

“You know, we were on Air Force One the other day, and I walk in there because he wants to talk about something, and he’s got an orange soft drink on his desk. He’s got a Fanta on the desk,” Oz said.

“And I say, ‘Are you kidding me?’ So he starts to, like, sheepishly grin. He says, ‘You know, this stuff’s good for me – it kills cancer cells.’” Oz added that Trump also justified the drink by saying, “It’s fresh-squeezed. So how bad could it be for you?”

Donald Trump’s diet habits spark renewed debate

The conversation also brought renewed focus to Donald Trump’s long-discussed eating habits, which have frequently sparked public debate. During the podcast, Donald Trump Jr pushed back against criticism of his father’s diet, suggesting there may be some merit to his lifestyle choices.

“But then maybe he’s on to something. Because I will say this: I know a lot of guys pushing 80, not a lot have his level of energy, recall, stamina," he said.

Trump has for years openly embraced a diet that includes fast food, sugary beverages, and snacks, often portraying it as a personal preference rather than a health concern.

Despite criticism from nutrition experts, he has repeatedly defended his choices, framing them as part of a routine that, in his view, contributes to his stamina and daily performance.