From The Magazine
September 2004 Issue

Donald Trump Answers the Proust Questionnaire

The billionaire reveals what he would change about himself. Hint: It’s on his head.
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By Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage/Getty Images.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Good health and being with a great person.

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Considering his work and love for New York City, I would say Robert Moses.

Which living person do you most admire? I don’t admire living people, I respect them.

What is your greatest extravagance? Having to only ride an elevator to get to work.

What is your favorite journey? From Trump Tower to Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach.

What do you dislike most about your appearance? That I look different than I did when I was 33.

Which living person do you most despise? I despise many living people.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? None of them. When I say something is great or the best, to me that’s not overuse, it’s the truth. But perhaps “You’re fired!”

What is your greatest regret? The loss of my brother Fred.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family, which now includes Melania.

Which talent would you most like to have? To be able to play golf like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, or Ernie Els.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My hair!

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? It’d be nice if my parents were still around to see what has happened with me.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? A great building in New York City.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Integrity and loyalty—although they are almost the same thing, at least to me.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Great beauty, both inside and out.

Who are your favorite writers? There are so many great ones, I can’t mention them all. But one of the best is one of the biggest sellers—myself.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction? James Bond.

Who are your heroes in real life? Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan.

What are your favorite names? Melania, Don, Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany.

How would you like to die? Happily in bed.

What is your motto? “Think big—and get the job done!”