US President Donald Trump has reportedly suggested that diet soda may help fight cancer, based on the idea that it can kill grass when poured on it, according to comments made by Dr. Mehmet Oz. Oz serves as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Oz shared the claim during an appearance on Donald Trump Jr’s podcast. He described conversations with Trump in which the US president linked the effects of soda on plants to what it might do inside the human body.
“Your dad argues that diet soda is good for him because it kills grass if you pour it on grass, so therefore it must kill cancer cells inside the body,” Oz told Trump Jr. on the podcast, adding that he was left surprised by the reasoning.
He also recalled a separate moment aboard Air Force One where Trump was seen drinking a soft drink and repeated a similar idea.
“He’s got a Fanta on the desk and I say, ‘Are you kidding me?’ So he starts to sheepishly grin, he goes, ‘You know, this stuff’s good for me, it kills cancer cells.’” Trump also added that the Fanta is "fresh squeezed, so how bad could it be for you?”
Oz further said Trump had a strong preference for diet soda and would often use a red button in the Oval Office to request one during meetings.
The comments come amid discussions involving Oz and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who have both spoken about encouraging healthier diets in US. However, Oz said Trump has continued to consume sugary and diet beverages along with fast food, especially McDonald’s.
Trump has long been known for his unusual views on health and diet, including past remarks questioning the value of exercise and promoting a “battery” theory that the body has a finite amount of energy. Despite criticism from medical experts over the health impacts of diet sodas,
Trump’s health has also drawn public attention after photographs showed visible bruising on his hand during official appearances. The White House has previously said such marks can be linked to frequent handshaking with world leaders and the use of aspirin. However, some Democrats have questioned whether Trump remains fit to serve as US President.
