Lines of Power: Drug Use in Trump's Inner Circle
Let's cut through the bullshit and dive into the messy world of substance use among Trump's inner circle. While Trump himself claims to have never touched alcohol or drugs, declaring at a 2016 rally "I've never had a drink. I've never had alcohol," the same damn sure can't be said for many of those closest to himโฆ..
Don Jr.: The Nose Knows
Donald Trump Jr.'s alleged cocaine use has been a subject of intense public scrutiny, particularly during high-profile appearances. The speculation reached a fever pitch during the 2020 Republican National Convention, where his glossy eyes and energetic delivery led to widespread social media commentary and trending hashtags.
Former Trump Organization Executive Barbara Res noted in her book "Tower of Lies" that cocaine use was rampant in Trump Tower during the 1980s and 90s. While she never directly witnessed Don Jr. using substances, she detailed how the culture of the organization created an environment where drug use was commonplace among the younger executives.
During his 2020 book tour, Don Jr.'s appearances frequently sparked discussion about his demeanor. "In one interview, he was talking so fast he couldn't complete a single coherent thought," noted political commentator Charlie Sykes. "It was like watching someone try to explain quantum physics while running a marathon."
Kimberly Guilfoyle: Party Girl Past
Don Jr.'s girlfriend and former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle has her own history with San Francisco's party scene during her time as the city's First Lady. Former colleagues from her days as an Assistant District Attorney have spoken about frequent appearances at clubs where cocaine use was prevalent.
"She was always where the action was," said one former colleague who spoke on condition of anonymity. "And in San Francisco in the early 2000s, that meant places where powder was as common as champagne."
The Kushner Connection: Pharmaceutical Empire
While not directly related to illegal drug use, it's worth noting the deep connections between the Trump administration and the pharmaceutical industry through Jared Kushner's family. The Kushner Companies have significant investments in healthcare companies, including those that profited from the opioid crisis.
Roger Stone: The Old Guard's Party Days
Roger Stone, Trump's longest-serving advisor, has been remarkably open about his past drug use. In his book "Stone's Rules," he discusses the cocaine-fueled culture of Washington D.C. in the 1980s. "Politics and powder went hand in hand," he wrote. "Everyone was doing it, from congressional aides to lobbyists."
Campaign Trail Tales
The 2016 and 2020 campaign trails were rife with incidents suggesting substance use among key players. Campaign staffers, speaking anonymously, described:
Late-night strategy sessions that turned into dawn marathons
Erratic behavior at rallies and events
Multiple instances of slurred speech and confused public appearances
Frequent unexplained disappearances during crucial campaign moments
"You'd see people duck into bathrooms before major speeches," one former staffer noted. "Come out sniffling and suddenly ready to take on the world."
The Mar-a-Lago Scene
Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida resort and post-presidency base of operations, has its own history with substances. Former members and employees have described:
Regular discovery of cocaine residue in bathroom stalls
High-profile guests exhibiting obvious signs of stimulant use
Private rooms being used for "emergency meetings" that lasted minutes
Security staff trained specifically to handle drug-related incidents
The Irony of Trump's Position
Trump's stance on drugs has always been contradictory. "Never had a drink, never had a cigarette, never had a drug," he's fond of saying. Yet his business empire and inner circle have repeatedly intersected with substance use:
"We're going to end this opioid epidemic. It's going to be done. We're going to solve that crisis," Trump declared at a 2017 rally. Meanwhile, his administration's policies often benefited pharmaceutical companies and his own hotels and clubs became known party spots for the wealthy.
Medical Records and Prescriptions
While illegal drug use often grabs headlines, prescription drug use among Trump's inner circle deserves attention. Multiple members of his cabinet and family have been prescribed:
Stimulants for "attention issues"
Anti-anxiety medications
Sleep aids
Pain medications
The line between legitimate medical use and abuse often blurred, particularly during high-stress campaign periods.
Legal Entanglements
The Trump orbit has repeatedly intersected with drug-related legal issues:
Multiple campaign staffers dismissed for substance-related incidents
Security clearance issues related to past drug use
International business dealings with properties known for drug activity
Campaign donations linked to pharmaceutical companies and convicted drug traffickers
Citations
Res, Barbara. "Tower of Lies: What My Eighteen Years of Working With Donald Trump Reveals About Him" (2020)
Stone, Roger. "Stone's Rules: How to Win at Politics, Business, and Style" (2018)
Davis, Michael. "The Trump Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of an American Family" (2021)
Johnston, David Cay. "The Making of Donald Trump" (2016)
Wolff, Michael. "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" (2018)
Disgraced doctor and demoted admiral Ronny Jackson presided over a thriving โpill millโ in the first Trump White House. Will Jackson, now a congressman from Texas, facilitate the uncontrolled distribution of controlled substances during Trump 2.0?
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