Karoline Leavitt says Donald Trump's remark on diet soda and cancer was a 'joke.'
'Good Sense of Humor': Karoline Leavitt Shrugs Off Trump's Viral Diet Soda-Cancer Theory
Dr. Mehmet Oz’s recent interview left many surprised after he revealed that President Donald Trump believes that diet soda kills cancer cells.
The health expert was in conversation with Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
While the remarks set the internet abuzz, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stated that the comments were made on a light-hearted note.
During a Tuesday, April 15, appearance on Donald Trump Jr.’s Triggered podcast, Oz said, “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 inside the body.”
The remarks sparked discussions on social media, with users expressing their views on Trump’s fast-food meal habits.
A day later, Leavitt was asked whether Trump genuinely holds that belief.
Karoline Leavitt reacts to Donald Trump's alleged views on diet soda.
'One of His Underreported Characteristics'
According to The Daily Express, the press secretary clarified with a wide smile on her face that it was a joke she had heard the president crack before.
"As we all know, the president has a very good sense of humor. It’s one of his underreported characteristics, I would say. I have heard him tell this joke before," Leavitt said.
Following this, social media users responded critically to the press secretary's explanation.
One user said, “Leavitt is confusing people laughing when Trump says something, as if he has a sense of humor, that he’s joking. They are laughing AT him, not WITH him. Big difference.”
An X user reacts to Karoline Leavitt's take on Donald Trump's alleged comments on diet soda.
Another stated, “Now hear this, Trump is just joking, or he didn't mean it like that.”
A third commented, “Everything’s a joke, that’s why the world can’t and doesn’t take him seriously. It really is that simple.”
One user claimed, “The aspartame in Diet Coke also increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. He already has a family history.”
During the conversation with Trump Jr., Oz revealed that Trump, 79, begins his day with candy bars and even has a red button at the Oval Office that summons a diet soda.
Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks about Donald Trump's views on diet soda.
Dr. Mehmet Oz Reveals Donald Trump's Food Habits
The Trump scion laughed off his father’s food habits while defending him, noting that people in their 80s rarely have comparable energy and stamina.
Trump Jr. also said his father has never consumed alcohol or drugs, and often describes ordering a Diet Coke as his version of a vice.
The president, on a number of occasions, has defended his preference for sweet drinks and fast food as part of his approach to staying healthy.
“He doesn’t want to get sick, so he eats junk food, but it’s food made in large, reputable chains because they have quality control,” Oz said during the podcast.
The state of Trump's physical and mental health has periodically drawn public attention, including questions about bruising on his skin and slurred speech.
In July 2025, the White House announced that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults.