The Coca-Cola Co. cozied up to the world’s most famous Diet Coke drinker — President-elect Donald Trump — late Tuesday by presenting him with an inaugural edition of his favorite beverage.
Chairman and CEO James Quincey smiled for the cameras as he presented the bottle to Mr. Trump. It features a gray, blue and red label with a picture of the White House.
Mr. Trump, who does not drink alcohol, is famous for his Diet Coke consumption. During his first term, he reportedly used the call button on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office to summon the drink from a valet.
Company executives nationwide are trying to court Mr. Trump before he takes office on Monday.
Tech CEOs such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have taken steps to solidify their relationships with Mr. Trump.
It’s a major turnaround from four years ago, when corporate leaders wanted little to do with Mr. Trump following the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, by rioters who felt the 2020 election was rigged in favor of President Biden.
Coca-Cola was among the companies that condemned the attack.
“We are all stunned by the unlawful and violent events that unfolded in Washington, D.C.,” the company said in January 2021. “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.”
This year, the company marked Mr. Trump’s White House return as a cultural milestone.
Coca-Cola’s iconic contour bottle is easily the most famous marketing image in the world. The company has a long tradition of producing themed bottles to commemorate events from World Series champions to Christmas.
Recent Coca-Cola commemorative bottles include a Los Angeles Dodgers 2024 Championship bottle, Joey Longano 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship bottle, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar x Marvel Star-Lord bottle, Coca-Cola x Marvel Loki bottle, Colorado Rapids SAC bottle, UCLA Women’s Water Polo 2024 NCAA Championship bottle, University of Tennessee Baseball 2024 National Championship bottle and the Florida Panthers 2024 Champions bottle.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.