You think you know the guy. Love him or hate him, Donald Trump has been a permanent fixture in the American psyche since the 80s. But honestly, beneath the golden escalators and the "You're Fired" catchphrases, there's a weirdly specific collection of quirks and historical footnotes that usually get buried under the daily news cycle.
Take the whole "never drinks" thing. It’s not just some fitness kick. It’s actually pretty dark. His older brother, Fred Jr., struggled with severe alcoholism for years and eventually passed away at 43. That hit Donald hard. Basically, he made a promise to himself never to touch the stuff—no alcohol, no cigarettes, no drugs. Most people don't realize he's been stone-cold sober while running casinos and hosting some of the wildest parties in Manhattan history.
Donald Trump Interesting Facts You Probably Missed
If we're talking about donald trump interesting facts, we have to start with the military school years. People see the draft deferments for bone spurs and assume he was some pampered rich kid who avoided discipline. But his dad, Fred Sr., actually shipped him off to the New York Military Academy at age 13 because he was "too much to handle" at home. He wasn't just a student there; he became a star athlete and a high-ranking cadet captain.
His daily routine is another thing that feels like it’s out of a 1950s fever dream. He’s a legendary "short sleeper," claiming he only needs about four hours a night. He wakes up, skips breakfast, and—this is the part people find wild—spends the first hour of his day just letting his hair air-dry. No blow-dryers. Then he hits the hairspray. It’s a whole ritual.
The Media Empire and the $TRUMP Boom
Before he was in the White House, he was a video game character. Seriously. In 2002, there was a game called Donald Trump's Real Estate Tycoon. You could literally try to out-business him. It didn't stop there. He’s had his own board game, his own line of steaks (which were sold at The Sharper Image for some reason), and even his own brand of vodka, despite the aforementioned "no drinking" rule.
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Lately, the business side has taken a hard turn into the digital world. Since the start of 2025, his family has reportedly pulled in over $800 million through crypto ventures like World Liberty Financial. He even offers White House tours to top investors of his $TRUMP memecoin. It’s a bizarre mix of the old-school real estate mogul and the new-age "crypto bro" energy.
The Small Details That Stick
- Germaphobe Tendencies: He’s a notorious germaphobe. He hates touching elevator buttons and prefers eating fast food from places like McDonald's because he believes the food safety standards are more "predictable" than at fancy restaurants.
- The Diet Coke Button: During his first term, he had a literal red button on the Resolute Desk. If he pressed it, a staffer would bring him a Diet Coke on a silver platter.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: He didn't get his star for being a billionaire. He got it in 2007 for producing The Apprentice.
- The Pizza Habit: He famously eats his pizza with a fork and knife. New Yorkers never quite forgave him for that one.
The Business Reality vs. The Brand
Most people think he's always been this massive success, but the mid-90s were actually a total train wreck for his finances. He had six different business bankruptcies related to his casinos and hotels in Atlantic City. He didn't lose his personal shirt, though. He’s incredibly good at using Chapter 11 to restructure debt while keeping the brand alive.
By 2026, his impact on the economy is still the biggest talking point in the country. He’s currently pushing the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which basically makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent. He’s also gotten really aggressive with tariffs lately—putting a 25% tax on advanced computing chips like the NVIDIA H200. It’s all part of this "America First" reshoring plan, but it’s making the tech industry pretty nervous.
What's Happening Right Now in 2026?
It’s been a busy month. Just yesterday, he signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. He’s working with RFK Jr. and Dr. Ben Carson to get full-fat dairy back into school lunches. It sounds like a small thing, but it’s a massive win for dairy farmers who have been struggling for years.
On the global stage, he’s pulling the U.S. out of 66 different international organizations. He says they’re "wasteful." It’s a total teardown of the old diplomatic status quo.
Actionable Insights for Following the News:
- Track the Tariffs: If you're an investor, keep an eye on Section 232 investigations. These are the legal triggers he uses to slap tariffs on things like semiconductors.
- Watch the Midterms: The 2026 midterm elections are coming up fast. House Republicans are already worried that they haven't passed enough of his agenda to keep their seats.
- Monitor Crypto Regulation: With the Trump family so heavily invested in World Liberty Financial, expect the SEC's approach to digital assets to stay "hands-off" for the foreseeable future.
Whether you're looking at the historical trivia or the 2026 policy shifts, the guy is a case study in brand endurance. He's gone from a Queens teenager in military school to a reality star, to the 45th and 47th President, all while eating Big Macs and refusing to touch a drop of beer. It’s a weird story, but it’s definitely not boring.
To stay updated on the specific economic impacts of these new 2026 policies, check the latest Federal Register filings for Executive Orders regarding trade and tariff exemptions. Understanding the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will also be key for anyone planning their taxes this year, as the permanent extensions of business deductions will fundamentally change corporate filing strategies.