Donald Trump’s now-iconic “YMCA” dance—complete with hip sways and air punches—has become a viral mainstay at his campaign rallies. What began as a quirky stage habit has evolved into a cultural moment, even drawing reactions from athletes like NFL star Nick Bosa and members of his political circle, including Kristi Noem. Trump himself told Fox News, “I try to walk off without dancing and I can’t. It’s just got something special about it.”
While Trump supporters cheer his dance as lighthearted and patriotic, the Village People—whose song “YMCA” he uses—have publicly asked that their music be kept out of politics. In 2020, they emphasized their music was “all-inclusive” but preferred it remain apolitical.
Adding another twist, Melania Trump recently joined the dance during the July 4th celebrations. Her subtle movements—palms raised and bouncing on her feet—sparked a flurry of online reactions. While some praised her as “joyful and authentic,” others slammed the display as “scripted theater” and claimed their marriage was more transactional than romantic.
Whether cringeworthy or captivating, the “Trump Dance” keeps the internet buzzing.