# Trump Dance

The Trump Dance is a celebratory movement inspired by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's characteristic rally gestures while dancing to his campaign song "Y.M.C.A.". It has gained popularity among professional and collegiate athletes across various sports. The dance typically involves slowly punching air and shaking hips, reflecting movements Trump has often performed at political events.

## Background

The dance originated at Trump's 2020 campaign rallies, where his movements became a notable aspect of his public persona. Over time, these gestures were popularized through social media and eventually adopted by individuals outside the political sphere.
   * Cari Kelemen @KelemenCari
   OMG! He added a golf swing! ♥
The dance is performed by rocking the hips in a side-to-side motion while performing alternating, subdued fist pumps from hip-level. In October 2024, Trump began performing a pantomime golf swing as part of the dance. According to the Times of India, this sparked "a wave of reaction" on social media.
The Trump Dance is frequently performed to the musical accompaniment of the Village People's "Y.M.C.A.", which Trump has described as the "gay national anthem".

## Adoption in sports

The "Trump Dance" has been observed in major sporting events, with athletes incorporating it into their celebratory routines.

### National Football League (NFL)

NFL players, including Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans, Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, and Za'Darius Smith of the Detroit Lions, have been noted for dancing games. Similar celebrations have also been documented among college football athletes.
In late November 2024, the NFL announced it would not penalize players who performed the Trump Dance during league games. According to football analyst Jordan Schultz, the NFL indicated "that they only take action against those [play celebrations] deemed excessive or inappropriate" but that the league "is good" with the Trump Dance.

### Soccer

US national team soccer player Christian Pulisic used the dance to celebrate a goal during a November 18, 2024, match. Pulisic later stated, "It's not a political dance. It was just for fun." In November 2024, members of the English team Barnsley F.C. performed the Trump Dance after scoring a goal against Cambridge United.

### Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Jon Jones incorporated the dance into his post-match celebrations during an event attended by Trump.

### Golf

Professional golfer Charley Hull performed the dance during a tournament match on November 17, 2024.

## Cultural significance

The "Trump Dance" is widely regarded as an example of the intersection of sports and political culture, although athletes often characterize its use as non-political. Supporters of the dance argue it reflects Trump's broader cultural influence, while detractors view it as a polarizing gesture.
In the week prior to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, "Y.M.C.A.", to which the Trump Dance is frequently performed, appeared in the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic chart for the first time in 47 years, rising to the number four spot shortly after the election. Karen Willis, the manager of the Village People, attributed the song's sudden resurgence to Trump's use of it during his performances of the Trump Dance.

## Reception

The dance's emergence has sparked mixed reactions on social media and in public discourse. While some view it as a lighthearted homage, others criticize its potential to evoke political connotations in traditionally apolitical settings like sports.