Donald Trump Says His ‘Y.M.C.A.’ Dance Helped Boost the Song’s Popularity on the Billboard Charts
Trump Credits Dance Moves for "Y.M.C.A." Resurgence on Billboard Charts
During a recent speaking engagement at The Villages retirement community in Florida, former President Donald Trump asserted that his dance appearances to the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” have contributed to a revival of the classic track on the Billboard charts. This claim, made on May 1, follows the song’s rise to the top of the Top Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart in late 2024, more than 40 years after its initial release.
Trump incorrectly stated, "That song was No. 5 32 years ago, and it went to No. 1 32 years later," acknowledging its prominence during the final stretch of his 2024 presidential campaign. The disco anthem—frequently referred to as the "gay national anthem" by Trump—reached No. 1 on Billboard’s chart for two weeks in November 2024. Originally released in late 1978, “Y.M.C.A.” had peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In December 2024, Village People founder Victor Willis elaborated on why he permitted Trump to use “Y.M.C.A.” at campaign events. Initially requesting that Trump cease using the song in 2020, Willis reconsidered after recognizing the former president’s enthusiasm, expressing in a Facebook post that Trump seemed to “genuinely like” the song and derived joy from it. Willis noted that since Trump’s incorporation of the song into his campaign, its chart rankings and sales have experienced substantial growth. “Therefore, I’m glad I allowed the President Elect’s continued use of Y.M.C.A.,” he remarked. “And I thank him for choosing to use my song.”
During his speech, Trump humorously mentioned that his wife, Melania, disapproves of his dancing to the track. “She hates when I dance to what is sometimes referred to as the gay national anthem,” he said. Trump recounted her polite request, saying, “[Melania] goes, ‘Darling, please. It’s not presidential.’” The former president responded, “It may not be presidential, but I’m leading by 20 points in the polls or something.”
Concluding his address, Trump showcased his signature dance moves—complete with fist pumps and hip shakes—as "Y.M.C.A." played in the background, leaving attendees with a memorable performance.
