What Does Trump Eat: The Truth About the McDonald's, Well-Done Steaks, and 12 Diet Cokes

What Does Trump Eat: The Truth About the McDonald's, Well-Done Steaks, and 12 Diet Cokes

When you think of a billionaire’s diet, you probably imagine gold-leafed truffles, rare caviar, and vintage wines that cost more than a mid-sized sedan. But if you’re looking at Donald Trump, forget the fine dining. Honestly, it’s kinda fascinating. We are talking about a man who has spent decades surrounded by the finest chefs in the world at Mar-a-Lago and the White House, yet his heart belongs to the golden arches.

Basically, the "Trump Diet" is a masterclass in American comfort food and brand loyalty. It’s consistent. It’s predictable. And for someone who lives a life of high-stakes chaos, it seems like his meals are the one thing he keeps under total control.

What Does Trump Eat? The Fast Food Obsession

Let’s get the big one out of the way first. Donald Trump loves fast food. He’s not shy about it. During the 2024 and 2025 campaign trails, this became more than just a preference—it was a political statement. While other politicians were out there trying to look relatable by eating kale at a farm-to-table pop-up, Trump was serving Big Macs on silver platters.

If you’ve ever wondered what his specific McDonald's order looks like, it’s not for the faint of heart. According to former campaign aides Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie in their book Let Trump Be Trump, a standard "dinner" order on Trump Force One consisted of:

  • Two Big Macs
  • Two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches
  • A chocolate malted (milkshake)

Think about that for a second. That is a massive amount of food. However, there’s some nuance here. Jared Kushner later mentioned that Trump often skips the buns on his burgers, which is his way of "keeping the weight down." It’s a bit like ordering a Diet Coke with a triple-bacon cheeseburger, but hey, it’s his system.

Why the fast food, though? It’s not just the taste. It’s the safety.

Trump is a self-described germaphobe. He’s said in interviews that he trusts big chains like McDonald’s or Wendy's because of their high standards of cleanliness. In his mind, a random local restaurant might have a kitchen that hasn't been cleaned in a week, but a Big Mac is standardized. It’s "safe."

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The Steak Situation (Yes, There’s Ketchup)

If he’s not eating a burger, he’s probably eating steak. But if you’re a fan of a medium-rare ribeye, look away now.

Trump likes his steak well-done. Very well-done. His former butler at Mar-a-Lago, Anthony Senecal, once told The New York Times that the steak would "rock on the plate" because it was so hard. It’s basically cooked until all the pink is gone and then some.

And then comes the kicker: the ketchup.

He douses his New York strip or filet mignon in Heinz ketchup. To food critics, this is a literal crime. To Trump, it’s just how he likes it. He’s also been known to enjoy a good meatloaf—specifically his mother’s recipe—which is often served at Mar-a-Lago.

The 12-Can Diet Coke Habit

You can’t talk about what Trump eats without talking about what he drinks. He is a world-class consumer of Diet Coke.

During his first term in the White House, there was a famous "red button" on the Resolute Desk. When he pushed it, a staffer would appear with a cold Diet Coke on a silver tray. He reportedly drinks up to 12 cans a day.

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What’s interesting is that he doesn't drink alcohol. At all.

This isn't a religious thing; it’s personal. His older brother, Fred Jr., struggled with severe alcoholism before passing away at a young age. Trump saw that and decided he never wanted to lose control like that. He’s a total teetotaler. He doesn't even drink coffee or tea. He’s powered entirely by caffeine from soda and, presumably, pure adrenaline.

Snacking and the "Secret" Vegetables

Does the man ever eat a vegetable? Well, sorta.

Reports from his former White House physician, Ronny Jackson, revealed that the medical team used to try and "hide" cauliflower in his mashed potatoes to get some nutrients into him. He’s not a fan of the green stuff. He calls it "garbage food" sometimes.

Instead, he’s got a massive sweet tooth. He loves:

  • See’s Candies: Particularly the boxed chocolates.
  • Keebler Vienna Fingers: His go-to cookie.
  • Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream: Usually served as two scoops (while everyone else at the table gets one).
  • Lay's Potato Chips: Specifically the yellow bag.

RFK Jr. and the 2026 "Make America Healthy Again" Twist

Recently, there’s been a weird shift in the narrative. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) joining Trump’s inner circle in late 2024 and 2025, there’s been a lot of talk about "MAHA"—Make America Healthy Again.

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RFK Jr. hasn't been shy about his distaste for Trump’s diet. He famously called the food on Trump’s plane "poison." There’s a viral photo of the two of them, along with Elon Musk, sitting with McDonald's trays, and RFK Jr. looks like he’s about to be executed.

Despite the pressure from the health-conscious wing of his new team, Trump hasn't really changed. In January 2026, he even spoke at a McDonald’s summit, praising the brand for its consistency and "American-ness." It seems the fast food is here to stay.

Actionable Insights: What Can We Learn?

Look, nobody is suggesting you should go out and drink 12 Diet Cokes and eat well-done steak every day. Your doctor would have a heart attack just hearing about it. But there are a few "human" takeaways from the way Trump eats:

  • Consistency reduces decision fatigue: By eating the same few things, he saves his mental energy for other stuff. It's a common trait among high-performers, even if their choice is Big Macs instead of kale.
  • Know your triggers: His refusal to drink alcohol because of his family history is a rare moment of discipline that has likely kept him functional at an age when many others slow down.
  • Safety first: If you travel a lot, sticking to brands with high turnover and strict standards (like he does with fast food) actually reduces the risk of foodborne illness, even if the long-term nutrition is poor.

If you're looking to replicate the "vibe" without the health risks, try sticking to a signature meal that you genuinely enjoy—maybe just cook the steak to medium and skip the fourth burger.

I can help you look into the specific nutritional breakdown of a 24-hour Trump-style meal plan if you want to see the calorie counts.