Trump says he convinced Coca-Cola to use cane sugar in US but critics call it diversion from Epstein row

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s claim that he personally convinced Coca-Cola to switch from high-fructose corn syrup to real cane sugar in its US beverages has stirred skepticism, confusion, and criticism.

While Trump framed the move as a personal victory, the soft drink giant has not confirmed any such change, prompting critics to view the announcement as a calculated diversion from recent political controversies, including renewed scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein case. 

Trump claims victory in push for cane sugar Coke, but Coca-Cola stays silent on recipe change

“I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” Trump posted Wednesday, 16 July, on Truth Social.

“I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them - You’ll see. It’s just better!” he further added.

In April, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told investors that the company would “keep advancing efforts to reduce sugar in our beverages.”

POTUS, a long-time Diet Coke drinker, cast the claim as a business and public health victory, touting it as another example of his influence over major American brands.

Coca-Cola responds cautiously as analysts doubt feasibility of cane sugar shift

Despite Trump’s celebratory announcement, Coca-Cola has not confirmed any switch in sweeteners.

In a carefully worded statement provided to multiple outlets, the company said, “We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca‑Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca‑Cola product range will be shared soon.”

The company gave no indication that its US Coke formula, currently made with corn syrup, would be altered. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola made with cane sugar continues to be produced in Mexico, where sugar tariffs and consumer preference have sustained its popularity.

Analysts remain doubtful that a full-scale transition is likely. Duane Stanford, editor of Beverage Digest, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “It’s unclear the scale of what Trump is pushing for here, but a wholesale conversion would be complex and unlikely.”

Critics mock timing of Trump’s Coke claim as Epstein scrutiny resurfaces

The announcement comes just days after unsealed court documents revived scrutiny of Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Critics quickly labeled the Coke claim a calculated distraction, with California Governor Gavin Newsom among those mocking the soda-centric timing.

He wrote on X, "Oh thank god! I’ve totally forgotten about the Epstein files now!"

While Trump framed the post as a personal victory, many questioned its intent, particularly as America remains the world’s largest corn producer, planting 90 million acres annually.

Replacing corn syrup with cane sugar could disrupt both commercial supply chains and domestic agriculture.

Some experts also downplayed the health significance.

Michael Jacobson, a longtime nutrition advocate, previously called the demonization of corn syrup an “urban myth.”

And as observers noted, Trump is unlikely to taste the difference himself, Diet Coke, his drink of choice, contains neither sugar nor corn syrup.