Donald Trump has made headlines once again, having surpassed the 270 electoral colleges required to win the United States presidential election.
Love him or hate him, Trump is a personality who has never failed to surprise. Known for his career in real estate, his reality TV persona, his failed assassination plots, and his knack for controversy, there’s no shortage of mysteries surrounding him.
However, there are a few facts about Trump that many people don’t know, which can shed a light into his life outside the public eye and his go-hard approach to politics.
From his early life aspirations to the quirks of his daily routine, here are some fascinating insights into the man about to occupy the Oval Office once again as the 47th President of the United States.
1. He Hasn’t Touched Alcohol His Entire Life
Yes- you read that right!
Despite his high-profile lifestyle, Trump has chosen to stay away from alcohol. His decision is tied to a personal tragedy; his older brother, Fred Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism and passed away at a young age.
The loss of his older brother, and lessons learnt from his brother’s struggle with alcoholism was the motivation needed to stay away from the bottle. Instead, he’s known for his love of soda, particularly Diet Coke.
2. Trump Once Considered Becoming a Film Producer
Long before his real estate empire became a household name, Trump had his eye on the entertainment industry. In the late 1980s, he was reportedly interested in becoming a film producer, maybe like Sean Diddy Combs.
While he didn’t pursue it as a full-time career, Trump’s involvement in Hollywood continued as he made cameo appearances in various TV shows and movies, like Home Alone 2 and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, before launching his own hit reality show, The Apprentice.
3. He Owned a Professional Football Team
Though better known for his business ventures in real estate and hospitality, Trump briefly dipped his toes into the world of sports.
In 1983, he bought the New Jersey Generals, a team in the now-defunct United States Football League (USFL). The league collapsed two years later, but Trump’s attempt to compete with the NFL showed his ambition to make an impact in unconventional ways.
After the collapse, he has not shown any interest in owning another football team.
4. Trump Has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Yes, Trump’s fame extends to Hollywood Boulevard. In 2007, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work on The Apprentice.
While the star has been a source of contention in recent years—sometimes vandalized by protesters—it’s still left a mark in the entertainment scene.
5. Trump’s First Job Was Working at His Father’s Construction Sites
Long before his name was synonymous with skyscrapers and resorts, Trump got his hands dirty working for his father’s construction company, Elizabeth Trump & Son. During summers, he would help manage construction projects, gaining hands-on experience that later became the foundation of his career in real estate.
6. He Is a Germaphobe
Trump has admitted to being highly conscious of cleanliness, even describing himself as a “germaphobe.”
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, A germaphobe is someone who has an abnormal or irrational fear of germs or contamination. They may also be preoccupied with cleanliness and have an obsessive compulsion to clean their hands and living spaces.
Trump often avoids shaking hands in public and is known for his meticulous personal hygiene habits. His aversion to germs influences his behavior in both public and private settings.
7. He Doesn’t Use Email
Unlike many high-profile figures in business and politics, Trump has famously steered clear of email. He prefers face-to-face meetings, handwritten notes, or phone calls to communicate.
His dislike for email communication has helped him avoid the kinds of email scandals that have affected other politicians. It is not a surprise that during his first attempt at the presidency, he was vocal about the Clinton WikiLeaks scandal!
8. Trump Owns a Vineyard
Outside of his high-rise hotels and luxurious resorts, Trump owns Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite his abstinence from alcohol, the vineyard produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay and Merlot, which are sold across the U.S.
The winery is managed by his son, Eric Trump, and remains one of the family’s unique business ventures.
9. His Mother Was an Immigrant
Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s rugged Outer Hebrides. At the age of 18, she made the bold decision to immigrate to the United States, arriving in New York in 1930 with only a few dollars in her pocket.
After settling in New York, Mary found work as a domestic helper and eventually met Fred Trump, a young and ambitious builder. They married in 1936, building a life together that would lead to a thriving real estate empire. Although Mary became an American citizen and embraced her new country, she stayed closely connected to her Scottish roots, often returning to her homeland with her children to visit family.
This part of Trump’s heritage is often overshadowed by his own strong views on immigration, yet it remains a significant part of his family story.
10. Presidential Impeachment
Donald Trump made history by becoming the third U.S. president to be impeached, facing charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in December 2019.
The impeachment stemmed from allegations that he solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election. However, he was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020, allowing him to remain in office until the end of his term.