Camilla Jessen
President explains why he’s never had alcohol.
A recent podcast conversation has reopened discussion about Donald Trump’s long-standing decision to avoid alcohol entirely.
In an interview with comedian and podcaster Theo Von, the U.S. president recalled the moment that convinced him never to drink.
Family lesson
Trump told Von that his older brother, Fred Trump, had urged him early in life to stay away from alcohol and cigarettes.
“I never have,” Trump said. “I had a great brother who taught me a lesson — don’t drink, and he said don’t smoke. He smoked and he drank.”
Fred Trump struggled with alcoholism and died at age 42. Trump described him as “a very handsome guy” with “so much going,” adding that the problems began during his brother’s college years.
The loss, Trump said, shaped his own choices permanently.
Von, who has discussed his own addiction recovery openly, responded by describing how alcohol can heighten cravings for other substances.
“For me drugs is the problem, but if I have a drink then it’s tougher for me to prevent myself,” he said.
Shortly after the interview, recovering alcoholic Corey Warren posted his own message on TikTok, stressing a common indicator that someone’s drinking may no longer be casual: blackouts.
“I used to think that blacking out was just part of drinking,” he said, explaining that he later realised it was a sign of extreme tolerance and physical distress.
“That’s not normal, that’s not fun. That’s my brain shutting down.”
Sources: Theo Von podcast interview; social-media statements; Unilad
