President Donald Trump is proud to say that his signature dance moves played a role in the resurgence of The Village People’s song, “Y.M.C.A.” The track saw renewed popularity in 2024, decades after its debut, as Trump frequently used it during his presidential campaign and rallies.
While the group’s lead singer initially objected to Trump’s use of the song, he later changed his stance. One person who isn’t happy about Trump’s dance is his wife, Melania Trump, who said it’s not fitting for a head of state.
Donald Trump Loves The ‘Gay National Anthem’
On May 1, President Donald Trump visited The Villages in Florida, a retirement community with more than 150,000 residents. Thousands of senior residents waited in line for hours to get into a campus gymnasium where the president delivered his speech. Trump noted his love for The Village People song, “Y.M.C.A,” which he referred to as the “gay national anthem.”
“You know that song was No. 5 32 ago, and it went to No. 1 32 years later… It never hit No. 1. It was No. 5 32 years ago, and it went to No. 1 for months,” he said, referring to the last months of his presidential campaign in 2024. “We love that song,” Trump declared.
“Y.M.C.A.” was a staple song for nearly every event in Trump’s campaign to reclaim the White House in 2024. His signature dance, featuring pumping both fists in the air and swaying his hips, quickly became a recognizable part of his public appearances.
Melania Trump Hates Her Husband’s Dance
Trump showed off his dance at the event, finishing it off with a golf swing. During his speech, he revealed that Melania “hates” it when he dances. Recalling the 2024 campaign, he said, “Melania goes, ‘Darling, please.’ You know, she’s a very elegant woman. She goes. ‘Darling, please don’t dance. It’s not presidential.'”
The POTUS then revealed his answer to her, saying, “It may not be presidential, but I’m leading by 20 points in the polls or something.”
Despite saying that his wife was not a fan of his dancing, Melania has occasionally been seen smiling and even joining in as they danced to “Y.M.C.A,” offering a contrast to Trump’s statement.
‘Y.M.C.A.’ Sold Millions Of Copies Worldwide
‘Y.M.C.A.’ was released in October 1978, the only single from The Village People’s third album, “Cruisin.'” The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and went on to sell 12 million copies worldwide, earning the No. 1 spot on music charts in other countries, including the U.K., Canada, and Australia. In 2020, “Y.M.C.A.” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
In November 2024, “Y.M.C.A.” reached the top spot on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart, a resurgence that Trump appeared to reference when discussing the renewed popularity of the song. However, instead of spending “months” at No. 1, as the president claimed, “Y.M.C.A.” actually remained on the top for six weeks.
The Village People Issued A Cease And Desist Letter To Donald Trump
Trump has used “Y.M.C.A.” and another Village People song, “Macho Man,” at his campaigns, but in 2023, the group sent a cease and desist letter to Trump. At that time, footage of Trump dancing to the tune of “Macho Man” circulated online. It was taken during a party at Mar-a-Lago, where performers dressed as The Village People entertained the partygoers.
Karen Willis, a lawyer and the wife of The Village People lead singer, Victor Willis, noted in a letter addressed to Trump’s lawyer that the performance caused public “confusion,” as many thought The Village People were the ones performing. “It is requested that he cease and desist any such further unauthorised use of the Village People image in association with the songs and his campaign (or in his personal capacity),” the note read.
Victor Willis Eventually Agreed To Donald Trump’s Use Of His Song
In 2024, as The Blast previously reported, Willis changed his stance and allowed Trump to use The Village People’s music, citing that it had its advantages, such as the song’s resurgence. He also noted that Trump obtained a political use license for the song. Despite his decision, he doubled down on his support for Kamala Harris.
After winning the presidential election, Victor Willis, along with the current members of The Village People, performed at the president-elect’s inauguration eve rally. Trump took the stage and displayed his signature dance move while the group performed “Y.M.C.A.”