Well, folks, it’s official: the Diet Coke button is back, and so is Donald Trump in the Oval Office. If you thought the drama of the 2024 election was enough excitement for one lifetime, think again—because we’ve officially entered round two of Trump’s tenure, complete with executive orders, rearranged decor, and, of course, his beloved red button for Diet Coke deliveries. Let’s dive into the latest chapter of the Trump Oval Office saga, shall we?
For those who might’ve forgotten, the Diet Coke button is no ordinary White House accessory. Tucked away in a polished wooden box, the button served as Trump’s first-term solution to instant refreshment—press it, and voilà, an aide would deliver his drink of choice. It disappeared during the Biden years, but now it’s back, sitting proudly on the Resolute Desk, as reported by “The Wall Street Journal”. Because, let’s face it, when you’re making history in one of the most iconic offices in the world, a steady stream of Diet Coke just makes sense.
And while the button’s return may seem trivial to some, it’s just one of many ways Trump is reclaiming his space in the Oval Office—and sending a not-so-subtle message about the return of his particular brand of leadership.
From reinstating military flags for each service branch to rehanging the portrait of Andrew Jackson, the Oval Office is once again taking on the aesthetic of Trump’s populist, America-first approach. Jackson’s portrait, in particular, is a fitting touch, given the parallels between the two presidents: both saw themselves as disruptors of the political establishment, and both embraced the idea of leading for “the people” (whether their critics agreed or not).
The decor also brings back some continuity from Biden’s tenure. For example, the bust of Martin Luther King Jr. remains prominently displayed—a nod to shared respect for the civil rights icon, despite their vastly different political philosophies. But other changes are unmistakable. Biden had famously removed the bust of Winston Churchill, which Trump wasted no time reinstating to its old spot near the fireplace. It’s symbolic, really. Churchill, a leader revered for his steadfastness during trying times, mirrors the image Trump has long cultivated: a strongman in the face of adversity.
But let’s get back to that red button because, honestly, it’s become a meme-worthy symbol of Trump’s presidency. Beyond the Diet Coke itself (a beverage Trump famously prefers over alcohol due to personal family history), the button underscores Trump’s larger-than-life personality.
This is a man who leans unapologetically into the theatrics of power—whether it’s boasting about the grandeur of the Oval Office or signing executive orders with dramatic flair. Case in point: during a recent speech at Capitol One Arena following his inauguration, Trump referred to the Oval Office as “one of the great offices in history,” adding that “wars start and end there. Everything starts and ends at the Oval Office.” If that’s not a signature Trumpian declaration, what is?
Of course, it’s not just the decor or the button that’s grabbing headlines—Trump wasted no time signing executive orders on day one, kicking off what promises to be a busy second term. From fulfilling campaign promises to reversing Biden-era policies, the new administration is already making waves. And, naturally, the setting for these moments is as much a part of the narrative as the actions themselves. The portraits of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson now preside over the room, a clear nod to America’s founding principles.
Love him or loathe him, Trump has once again made the Oval Office a reflection of his personality, priorities, and political philosophy. Every detail, down to the silver eagle figures on the fireplace mantel, feels curated to project strength, resilience, and a return to his particular brand of leadership. And while the Diet Coke button may seem like a lighthearted quirk, it’s also quintessential Trump: flashy, functional, and undeniably memorable.
So, here we are, folks, gearing up for four more years of the Trump show—complete with executive orders, historical symbolism, and, yes, plenty of Diet Coke. Stay tuned, because if the first few days are any indication, this term promises to be just as eventful as the last.