Trump Opens Up About Lifelong Sobriety
\nU.S. President Donald Trump has explained why he has never touched alcohol. Unlike many political predecessors, Trump has maintained complete sobriety throughout his life. He discussed his choice during a 2024 appearance on Theo Von\u2019s podcast, This Past Weekend.<\/p>\n
The Influence of a Brother
\nVon asked Trump:<\/p>\n
\u201cI noticed at events you don\u2019t drink or smoke. You never have?\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump replied:<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I never have. I had a great brother who taught me a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was referring to Fred Trump Jr., who tragically died of a heart attack at age 42 in 1981. Fred struggled with alcohol and smoking, which left a lasting impression on Trump.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe smoked and drank\u2014a great guy, very handsome, had an incredible personality,\u201d Trump said. \u201cBut he had a problem with alcohol. I tell people, \u2018No drugs, no drinking, no cigarettes,\u2019 and I tell my kids the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lessons Learned from Fred
\nTrump recalled admiring his brother despite his struggles:<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had the look, the personality, and so much going for him. But he battled addiction, and I was amazed his body could withstand the damage. Unfortunately, it\u2019s a very common story. His life was tough because of alcohol, and I learned a lot from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
He reflected that seeing Fred\u2019s deterioration helped him envision the risks of substance use for himself.<\/p>\n
Sobriety Shaped Early Choices
\nTrump has referenced Fred\u2019s influence in other interviews over the years. In 2018, he told Fox News:<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a brother, Fred\u2014great guy, best-looking, best personality\u2014but he had a problem with alcohol. He would warn me, \u2018Don\u2019t drink, don\u2019t drink.\u2019 I learned from Fred\u2019s tough experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred\u2019s struggles with alcohol helped shape Trump\u2019s lifelong decision to abstain. His sobriety has remained consistent, even as he navigated high-profile careers in business and politics.<\/p>\n
Cultural Depiction
\nFred and Donald Trump\u2019s dynamic was also depicted in the 2024 biopic The Apprentice, starring Sebastian Stan as the young Donald Trump building his real estate empire in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"