Donald Trump Shares the Heartbreaking Reason Behind His Lifelong Sobriety
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed the deeply personal reason he’s chosen to live a life free from alcohol and cigarettes—a decision that has remained unchanged for decades.
During a 2024 episode of This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Trump opened up about his abstinence, explaining that his late brother, Fred Trump Jr., was the reason he made that commitment.
A Lesson From His Brother
When Von asked, “You don’t drink or smoke, right? Never have?” Trump confirmed, “No, I never have. I had a great brother who taught me a lesson.”
Fred Trump Jr. battled severe alcoholism and passed away in 1981 at the age of 42 from a heart attack. Trump spoke warmly about him, describing him as “a great guy—very handsome, incredible personality,” but acknowledged that his brother’s struggles left a lifelong impact.
“He smoked and drank, and it really destroyed him,” Trump said. “I tell people all the time—no drugs, no drinking, no smoking—and I’ve told my kids that from the start.”
A Painful Lesson That Lasted a Lifetime
Trump reflected on how witnessing Fred’s addiction shaped his own choices early in life.
“He had everything going for him, but alcohol ruined it all. Watching that taught me more than any lecture ever could,” he shared. “His story is, sadly, one that happens to a lot of people. I just made up my mind—I wasn’t going to go down that road.”
Fred’s Legacy Lives On
The lesson Fred left behind has continued to influence Trump’s life, guiding him through both his business ventures and political career. Trump reiterated the same sentiment in a 2018 Fox News interview, recalling Fred’s advice:
“Fred used to say, ‘Don’t drink, don’t drink,’ and I listened. He had the best personality, but alcohol really hurt him. I learned from that.”
From Family Tragedy to Personal Discipline
Trump’s steadfast avoidance of alcohol has become a defining part of his personal discipline, something he often attributes to his brother’s painful experience.
Their story was also revisited in the 2024 biopic The Apprentice, which depicted the young Trump building his real estate empire in 1970s New York—a time when his brother’s struggles deeply influenced his outlook on life and success.
Through the years, Trump has often said that his brother’s greatest gift to him wasn’t money or advice—it was the powerful example of what not to do.