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Donald Trump has long avoided cigarettes and alcohol, even though they were popular in New York when he was starting his career. His reason for steering clear of these habits is actually quite touching: he witnessed his brother’s struggles with smoking and alcohol addiction and vowed not to follow the same path.
Did Donald Trump ever smoke?
In a recent interview on the podcast “This Past Weekend w/Theo Von,” Trump talked about how his brother Fred Trump Jr. influenced his choices. Trump explained that Fred, despite being a great person, struggled with drinking and smoking, which affected his health and life. Fred’s warnings to Donald about these dangers left a strong impression on him. Trump credits his success to avoiding these pitfalls, noting that he couldn’t have achieved what he has if he had fallen into the same problems.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist, confirmed that Trump’s story seems genuine. She explained that Trump has consistently talked about his brother’s struggles and the impact they had on him. This kind of personal narrative is consistent with what Trump has shared publicly over the years, adding credibility to his statements about avoiding smoking and drinking.
Hafeez also pointed out that Trump’s openness about his brother’s death from alcoholism in 1981 reveals a side of him that contrasts with his usual public persona. This vulnerability adds depth to Trump’s character, showing a more human side to the often larger-than-life image he projects.
It’s common for people to avoid behaviors that they’ve seen negatively affect family members, and Trump’s avoidance of smoking and drinking fits this pattern. He has also been vocal with his own children about staying away from these habits. For instance, he has made public statements and jokes about his reminders to his daughter Ivanka and his son Barron to stay clear of alcohol and cigarettes. Despite any debates about his credibility, Trump’s stance on this issue has remained consistent over the years.