• Coca-Cola CEO presents Trump with a commemorative Diet Coke bottle before his inauguration.
• The gesture has drawn widespread criticism due to past condemnation of Trump's actions related to the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Social media reacts, with many labeling the gift as corporate “a**-kissing.”
• Trump is known for his affinity for Diet Coke, reportedly consuming up to 12 cans daily during his presidency.
• Leading corporations show renewed support for Trump as he prepares for his second term.

In a surprising turn of events, Coca-Cola has honored President-elect Donald Trump with a personalized Diet Coke bottle, which has sparked outrage online particularly due to the company's previous criticisms following the January 6 Capitol riots in 2021. The gift, presented by Coca-Cola chairman and CEO James Quincey, features a label that states: “The Inauguration of the President of the United States,” alongside Trump’s name and inauguration date of January 20, 2025. Margo Martin, Trump’s deputy communications director, shared images from the event via social media, emphasizing the significance of the bottle as the “first-ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Following the January 6 events, during which Coca-Cola condemned the riot as fundamentally opposed to democratic ideals, critics have expressed disapproval of the company's apparent shift in stance. Social media reactions have been intense, with many users calling the gesture an act of “a**-kissing pilgrimage.” Some even highlighted Trump's previous denouncement of the Coca-Cola brand, questioning the sincerity behind the gift.

Interestingly, Trump has consistently been open about his love for the soft drink, famously keeping a button in the Oval Office to summon fresh Diet Coke whenever needed. Reports have indicated that during his first presidential term, he consumed a staggering twelve cans daily. As Trump prepares for his second inauguration, the corporate landscape appears to be aligning itself with him, similar to the actions of other businesses such as Meta, which have also relaxed past policies in light of his incoming administration. With Coca-Cola describing its tradition of creating commemorative bottles for presidential inaugurations since 2005, their decision to honor Trump has become a focal point of discussion, beckoning questions about corporate ethics and the evolving political landscape. As this situation unfolds, many continue to express skepticism regarding Coca-Cola’s motives and integrity. For more details, view the original articles from Newsweek, HuffPost, India Times, Salon, and The Hill.