Donald Trump has long been known for abstaining from alcohol, and the reason behind his decision is deeply personal. The former president has shared that the death of his older brother, Fred, played a significant role in shaping his choice to stay teetotal. Fred passed away at just 42 due to a heart attack caused by alcohol abuse, and Trump has said that seeing the physical toll alcohol took on his brother had a profound impact on him.
In an interview with The Washington Post in 2019, Trump explained that he was once concerned about his brother’s relationship with alcohol, even trying to persuade him to abandon his dream of becoming a pilot and join the family business. He now regrets pressuring Fred, especially after witnessing the detrimental effects alcohol had on his health.
The former president described his brother as “so handsome” before alcohol affected his appearance, and Trump reflected that had he chosen to drink, he might not be alive today. “Let’s say I started drinking, it’s very possible I wouldn’t be talking to you right now,” he admitted.
Instead of alcohol, Trump’s drink of choice has always been Diet Coke, which became a notable part of his presidency. The famous “Diet Coke button” in the Oval Office, often discussed in the media, was not a button to summon a drink on demand but was used to call staff to deliver one.
Trump’s stance on alcohol has set him apart from many other figures in politics and entertainment, and it remains one of the many quirks that define his public persona.
