Trump has stirred things up again. This time, on his social network Truth Social, he claimed that Coca-Cola is going to change its formula in the United States: out goes high-fructose corn syrup and in comes cane sugar. And according to him, it’s because he insisted. No one else has confirmed it (not even Coca-Cola itself), but the announcement alone was enough to cause a stir, in the beverage industry, among American farmers, and, of course, in the media.
Another crusade, now against sweeteners
Trump says this change is part of a public health plan led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his Secretary of Health. They want to reduce the use of artificial sweeteners and colorings in food and drinks. Ironically, this doesn’t affect his beloved Diet Coke, the same one that used to be delivered at the press of a red button in the Oval Office, but it does target the classic version, the one many people have been drinking all their lives.
Coca-Cola, for now, says neither yes nor no
They haven’t confirmed anything, but they “appreciate the president’s enthusiasm” and will soon share “more details about new offerings”. That’s about it. They’re not denying it, but they’re not confirming it either
The farming sector begins to push back
If high-fructose corn syrup is really going to be removed, the first to notice will be farmers. In the United States, corn isn’t just another crop, it’s a key part of the agricultural economy. John Bode, president of the Corn Refiners Association, has already warned that this move “makes no sense from a nutritional standpoint” and could lead to layoffs, income loss, and greater dependence on imported sugar. For them, this isn’t a health decision but a political gesture.
It’s not just about sugar
Whether the change happens or not, the announcement fits perfectly into the narrative Trump has built for years. His thing is this: produce at home, defend the national, and fight what he calls “the usual interests.” It’s not the first time he’s been linked to the beverage sector: during his second inauguration, he received a commemorative Diet Coke from the company’s own president, and Coca-Cola donated nearly $290,000 to the official events. Along with Pepsi, they even signed a full-page ad supporting Trump’s industrial policies. The message was clear: we should consume what’s ours.
Is it for real or just another one of his moves?
At this point, everyone knows how Trump operates. He makes big announcements, without warning, without official confirmations, and with perfect timing to grab headlines. They don’t always materialize, but that doesn’t really matter, his base has already received the message. And this time is no different. Even if nothing changes, he’s managed to get half the country talking about cane sugar.
What if it does change?
If it actually happens, it would be a historic shift for Coca-Cola in the U.S. It would align with many of the versions already sold outside the country, where the recipe has used cane sugar for years. For those loyal to the original formula, it might be upsetting. For others, a win: many have been asking for high-fructose corn syrup to be removed because it’s more processed.
So is it about health or just pure populism?
The only clear thing is that Trump has once again brought the debate about what we eat and drink back to the table. He’s done it his way: with a show, no signed documents, and speaking directly to consumers. Is he doing it for public health or to boost his tough-guy image as someone who stands up to big corporations? Everyone will have their opinion. But if there’s one thing he knows how to do, it’s steal the spotlight. And this time he’s done it with a bottle of Coca-Cola.