Former US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with a baseless claim that Coca-Cola imports sugar from Mexico to deliberately "poison" American consumers. The remarks, made during a recent rally, have reignited debates around trade policies and protectionist rhetoric.
Trump's Sugar Conspiracy Theory
Speaking to supporters, Trump alleged that Coca-Cola sources cane sugar from Mexico rather than using US-produced corn syrup, framing this as a malicious act. "They bring it in from Mexico because they want to poison our people," he declared without providing evidence.
Trade War Echoes
This isn't the first time Trump has targeted Mexican imports. During his presidency, he frequently criticised NAFTA and pushed for stricter trade terms with Mexico. The soft drink industry has long used both cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, with formulations varying by market.
Industry Response
While Coca-Cola hasn't directly addressed Trump's latest comments, food safety experts have dismissed the poisoning claim as absurd. The US FDA strictly regulates all food ingredients, regardless of origin.
The remarks come as Trump positions himself for a potential 2024 presidential run, with trade policy expected to feature prominently in his campaign platform.
