Donald Trump Opens Up About Why He Chooses to Avoid Alcohol
Donald Trump, known for his surprising victory in the 2016 presidential race and even more for his vast business empire, has a personal rule that sets him apart from many: he does not drink alcohol. This decision traces back to a deeply personal story, revealing a side of him that not everyone may know.
A Personal Choice Rooted in Family Tragedy
As he resumed his role in the White House in 2025, becoming the second U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms, Trump’s choice to abstain from alcohol remains unchanged. In an intimate reveal to The Washington Post back in 2019, Trump shared the sorrowful story of his elder brother, Fred Trump Jr., and how his struggle with alcohol influenced Trump’s own choices.
Fred Jr., the firstborn son, was once seen as the likely heir to the Trump family’s real estate and construction empire. However, diverging from expectations, Fred Jr. chose a career in aviation, becoming a pilot—a decision that disappointed his father and, by his own admission, Trump himself. Trump regretted the pressure he put on his brother concerning his career choice, a pressure that might have pushed Fred toward his troubles with alcohol.
Fred Jr.’s battle with alcoholism eventually cost him his career as a pilot, forcing him back into the family business. Tragically, he died from a heart attack at the young age of 42 on September 26, 1981. The impact of Fred Jr.’s decline and early death left a lasting impression on Trump. He saw firsthand the destructive power of alcohol, not just on his brother’s life but on the physical toll it took as well.
The Influence of Family Tragedy on Trump’s Teetotalism
This painful experience became the foundation of Trump’s firm stance against drinking. In his words, witnessing his brother’s downfall due to alcohol deeply affected him, making him ponder the risks he would face if he ever started drinking. Trump once reflected on this, saying, “He was so handsome, and I saw what alcohol did to him even physically…and that had an impact on me, too.”
These reflections bring to light a striking reason for Trump’s teetotalism. It wasn’t about policy or public image but a personal choice shaped by loss and the desire not to follow in his brother’s footsteps. This resolve was so strong that he confidently stated he had never touched alcohol in his life. He humorously remarked in a 2018 press conference, “I’m not a drinker. I can honestly say I never had a beer in my life…Whenever they are looking for something good, I say I never had a glass of alcohol.”
Instead of alcohol, Trump prefers Diet Coke as his beverage of choice—a simple preference that starkly contrasts with the traditional image of business and political gatherings.
When Donald Trump stepped back into the presidency in 2025, it was an event marked by the familiar pomp of inaugural ceremonies, despite the chill that forced the event indoors. Joined by his wife Melania, his family, and Vice President JD Vance among other dignitaries, Trump embarked on his second term. The ceremony featured memorable performances, highlighting a moment of unity when Carrie Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” a cappella, a performance that moved the crowd to join in, symbolizing a moment of togetherness amidst division.
