Trump’s “Diet Coke Button” Prank Leaves Crowd Laughing, Even Amid Global Tensions
Donald Trump once again showed his flair for theatrical surprises, this time through a humorous anecdote shared by Vice President JD Vance during a recent GOP gathering.
While discussing a high-stakes call Trump once had with a foreign leader, Vance recounted how the former president hit the infamous red button on his desk — not to launch missiles, but to summon a Diet Coke.
The story drew loud laughter and reminded the audience of Trump’s trademark mix of drama and unpredictability.
Vance Shares Oval Office Story That Took a Sudden Twist
Speaking at a Republican Party event in Ohio, the 40-year-old vice president reflected on a moment that offered a glimpse into Trump’s offbeat leadership style.
According to Vance, while Trump was in the middle of a tense call with a foreign head of state during his presidency, he turned to him and bluntly said, “This isn’t going very well,” before hitting mute.
Without warning, Trump then pressed the red button on his desk — a gesture that made Vance nervous. “My eyes got really big,” Vance admitted. “I asked him, ‘Mr. President, what did you just do?’”
With a completely straight face, Trump responded, “Nuclear. Nuclear.”
The room erupted in laughter as Vance assured everyone that no catastrophe followed. “A couple minutes later, a staffer walked in with a Diet Coke,” he said. “Trump looked over at me and said, ‘Not nuclear. Just the Diet Coke button.’”
Vance ended the tale by saying, “That’s the kind of guy we’ve got as president.”
The Return of the “Diet Coke Button”
The iconic red button, which became somewhat of a legend during Trump’s first term, made its reappearance when a Wall Street Journal photographer gained access to the Oval Office after Trump resumed office on January 20, 2025. The button — set inside a small wooden box on his desk — was reinstated as part of Trump’s familiar routine.
During his earlier presidency, the button was frequently used to call for a Diet Coke, Trump’s well-known drink of choice. As someone who avoids alcohol, Trump’s preference for the soda was so prominent that Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey even presented him with a custom bottle before his inauguration.
Levity Amid Global Strain
While Vance’s story offered a moment of humor, the current global climate remains serious. Trump has recently been involved in efforts to de-escalate rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Although both sides agreed to a ceasefire, Israel soon accused Iran of violating the truce by launching a missile — a charge Iran has denied.
In an attempt to restore calm, Trump reportedly reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which helped enforce a temporary pause in hostilities. Despite the brief breakthrough, Trump didn’t hide his irritation at a press conference, using characteristically blunt language to express his dismay toward both countries.
Conclusion:
Vice President JD Vance’s recollection of Trump’s playful “Diet Coke button” incident offered a rare comedic window into the private moments of a presidency often filled with serious decisions and tense diplomacy.
As Trump grapples with global crises — like the Israel-Iran conflict — such stories stand out as reminders of the unorthodox style he brings to leadership. Regardless of political stance, the tale underscores Trump’s enduring ability to mix theatrics with authority, humor with headline-making decisions, and Diet Coke with diplomacy.