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Donald Trump has received a special personalized inauguration present from beverage giant Coca-Cola, which previously criticized the president-elect after the January 6 Capitol riot.
Coca-Cola condemned Trump and his supporters following the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. At the time, the company said the riots were "an offense to the ideals of American democracy."
"With the election results now certified, we have faith in America's democratic institutions to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and allow the U.S. to move forward together as one nation."
"Tonight, President Trump received the first-ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle from the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey," Trump deputy communications director Margo Martin posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.
The post includes an image of Trump and Quincey, who became CEO of the company in 2017 and the chairman of the board in 2019.
The bottle in question can also be seen, bearing a label with a drawing of the White House and reading: "The Inauguration of the President of the United States" with "Donald J. Trump" and the date of "January 20, 2025" below.
A box next to the bottle contains a note that reads: "Founded 126 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, The Coca-Cola Company takes great pride in producing hundreds of brands that people enjoy. Along with our 60+ independent bottling partners, the Coca-Cola system generates $58+ billion in U.S. economic activity annually and supports more than 860,000 jobs in the United States."
The president-elect is known to enjoy a can of Diet Coke—so much so that he even had a button installed on his desk in the Oval Office that would alert staff to his need for a freshly chilled can.
Newsweek has contacted Trump's team and Coca-Cola for comment via email outside of regular working hours.
In the run-up to Trump's second term in the White House, several major companies, particularly tech firms, have been aligning themselves with the incoming president, who has been critical of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has rolled back its fact-checking services, as well as ending its DEI policies. Walmart, McDonald's, and Amazon have also curtailed DEI policies ahead of Trump's inauguration next week.
What People Are Saying
Former Olympian and television personality Caitlyn Jenner posted on X: "What could be more American than that??? Love it."
Right-wing commentator Paul A. Szypula posted on X: "That's awesome. Would go great with a commemorative Big Mac!"
X user Gregory D. Howe wrote: "Coca-Cola does not have the best interests of America at heart."
What's Next
Trump will become the 47th president of the U.S. on Monday, January 20.