If the most of the world is apparently surprised at Donald Trump's elevation to America's President-elect, the man himself is not.

"I did it because I thought I could win. I didn't think I was doing it to lose. It doesn't surprise me. It doesn't surprise a lot of people who know me."

And that was Trump speaking a full two months before he did indeed win the presidential election.

His comments reached American television viewers on Friday night in a curious hour-long special.

Trump shows off his luxury New York pad

The tycoon took Harvey Levin, founder of the celebrity gossip website TMZ, on a tour of his Trump Tower apartment, discussing some of the objects that have shaped his life.


Trump, who prides himself on being a business risk-taker, revealed he dreamed of a career as a Hollywood movie mogul but worried it was too much of a gamble.

Instead the 70-year-old billionaire is now America's President-elect and the world watches agog as the most remarkable White House transition unfolds.

Image: Mr Trump at military college when he was a teenager

The show was a handy distraction from the rumour, accusation and denial currently dominating Trump's attempts at building a presidential team.

It did also offer some insights into what makes the next Commander-in-Chief tick; some well-known, others less so.

We knew that young Donald had been sent away to military school to instil discipline and that his alcoholic brother Fred died young, steering Trump away from ever drinking.

Image: The letter from Richard Nixon encouraging the future President to run for office

Levin said that Trump had been 'emotional' and 'candid' and he discussed his fear that his genes might even now make him susceptible to alcoholism. He has made his hard line on drink, drugs and tobacco very clear to his children.

Trump believes that his years hosting the hit TV show 'The Apprentice' has a lot to do with his political success. In showbusiness and in politics, he said, "you have to be yourself."

Image: Donald Trump's Scottish mother was a fan of the Queen and 'pomp and ceremony'

He described how he fell in love with future First Lady Melania and how his mother was a big fan of the Queen. His father, he said, was not.

We also get a glimpse of the famously ornate Trump interior decorating style.

Plenty have wondered whether the White House faces a similar make-over after the inauguration in January. Trump offered reassuring words.

"It is such a special place. Nothing will change at the White House."

Not in the decoration, anyway.