The most influential leader in the world is a father-of-five, he welcomed his first 47 years ago, and it appears the manner in which he raises his children remains consistent – as I’m certain his youngest Barron would attest.
Before we proceed further, let’s enumerate all the Republican’s offspring. His eldest is Donald Jr., followed by 43-year-old Ivanka and 41-year-old Eric – all born to the 78-year-old’s first wife, the late Ivana.
Then there’s 31-year-old Tiffany, who last month delivered the POTUS’ 11th grandchild. Her mother is Marla Maples, who wed and later divorced Trump in the 90s.
Finally, there’s 19-year-old Barron, Trump’s tallest son at 6’7″, whom he shares with First Lady Melania.
The president has now revealed his strategies for effective fatherhood while appearing on new political podcast Pod Force One.
During his conversation with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, who hosts the program, he was questioned about his ‘parenting philosophy’, and in responding shared his four fundamental principles.
He answered: “Well, I always said the same thing – I said no drugs, no alcohol, no cigarettes. I also would say don’t get tattoos, but I don’t say it too strongly because a lot of people have gotten tattoos and that’s what they chose to do, but I would say if you can avoid it, avoid it. But I’d say no drugs, no cigarettes and no alcohol, and like Ivanka would say ‘Dad give me a break how many times you have to tell me?’, I said, ‘I’m going to keep saying it’ – I would say it for their whole life – I said it all the time, I still say it.”
Indeed, Trump believes his children should maintain a completely sober lifestyle as he does.
This stems from his late brother Fred Trump Jr. having battled with alcoholism. Fred was eight years Trump’s senior, and the president recalled how he advised him to ‘never drink, never ever smoke’.
Fred passed away from a heart attack at age 42 in 1981, with alcohol having played a role in his death.
Remembering his brother, he stated: “He had a unbelievable personality but the booze got to him – and he’d always say don’t drink, don’t smoke. Now, in those days there were no drugs, you know? I guess there were but you didn’t know about it, but he would have added drugs in there but he said don’t ever smoke and don’t ever drink.”
Whether his children adhere to their father’s guidelines is another question. It’s understood that Barron abstains from drinking – being under 21 and all – but Donald Jr., Eric and Tiffany have certainly consumed their share of alcohol.
Nevertheless, Eric has admitted that he’s not much of a drinker, while Tiffany’s partying days are behind her having given birth to her first child last month, with Donald Jr. declaring some three years ago that he had quit drinking.
Whether Ivanka Trump has ever consumed wine or beer remains unclear – but one thing is certain, none of them are excessive drinkers.