- Full Name: Frederick Crist Trump Jr.
- Born: October 14, 1938, Queens, New York City, U.S.
- Died: September 26, 1981 (aged 42), New York City, U.S.
- Cause of Death: Complications from alcoholism
Early Life and Family Background
Fred Trump Jr. was the second child of Fred Trump Sr. and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. He was born into a wealthy real estate family in Queens, New York. His father, Fred Sr., was a highly successful real estate developer, and his younger brother, Donald Trump, later became the 45th president of the United States.
Fred Jr. attended Lehigh University, where he studied business but did not follow his father’s path into real estate. Instead, he had a passion for flying and wanted to become a pilot, which later put him at odds with his family’s expectations.
Career and Struggles
Fred Jr. initially joined the family business but found it unfulfilling. He eventually left to pursue a career as a pilot for Trans World Airlines (TWA). However, this decision was met with disapproval from his father, who wanted him to take a leadership role in the Trump Organization. The pressure from his family, combined with personal struggles, led to his increasing dependence on alcohol.
His addiction to alcohol eventually cost him his job as a pilot. He later worked in minor roles within the Trump business but never achieved the success his family had envisioned for him.
Personal Life and Relationships
Fred Jr. was married briefly to Linda Clapp, a former flight attendant. The couple had two children:
- Fred Trump III
- Mary Trump (who later became a psychologist and author, known for her book Too Much and Never Enough about the Trump family).
His marriage ended in divorce, and his struggles with alcoholism strained his relationships with his family and friends.
Death and Legacy
Fred Trump Jr. died on September 26, 1981, at the age of 42, due to complications from alcoholism. His early death had a lasting impact on his younger brother, Donald Trump, who has often mentioned Fred Jr.’s struggles as a reason why he avoids alcohol and drugs.
Despite his troubled life, Fred Jr. is remembered as a kind and charismatic individual who loved flying and had a different vision for his life than what his family expected. His story serves as a cautionary tale about addiction and the pressures of family expectations.
