Trump Advises Staff to Avoid Drinking with Lawmakers in Washington D.C.

According to a report, aides and staffers in Donald Trump's administration have been advised against consuming alcohol in social settings with lawmakers in Washington D.C. This directive, particularly aimed at those in the White House legislative affairs office, has been communicated verbally and emphasizes a thoughtful approach to alcohol use, especially during public engagements with members of Congress.

Sources cited by Politico indicate that while drinking isn't prohibited, staffers are urged to exercise caution. As one source noted, representing the White House and the president is best done while sober. This decision represents a significant change from previous administrations, which did not impose similar restrictions.

The culture in the nation's capital often involves social drinking among political figures, yet leadership now expects staffers to engage without alcohol. A former Trump administration staffer recalled that such reminders about responsible drinking were only issued after instances of excessive drinking occurred previously. It remains uncertain how many employees will be impacted by this new protocol.

Donald Trump himself follows a sober lifestyle, famously opting for Diet Coke over alcoholic beverages, influenced by the struggles of his late brother Freddy, who struggled with alcoholism and passed away young. Trump reflects on this family dynamic, sharing that his brother advised him to avoid alcohol entirely due to the tragic nature of addiction. He also mentioned that he believes his own personality could lead to similar challenges with alcohol.