The image captures a moment of Donald Trump dancing to YMCA at one of his rallies, highlighting the song’s unexpected role in his political events.
When you think of campaign rally anthems, you might imagine patriotic ballads or rousing rock anthems. However, for Donald Trump, the soundtrack to his political gatherings often features a surprising choice: YMCA by the Village People. This high-energy disco hit, originally celebrating the Young Men’s Christian Association and later interpreted as a gay anthem, has become inextricably linked with the Trump phenomenon, complete with the now-iconic “Donald Trump Dance” moves that accompany it. As the Village People themselves began performing at Trump’s events, the connection solidified, raising eyebrows and prompting questions about this unusual pairing.
From Disco Classic to MAGA Rally Staple: The Journey of YMCA
YMCA, released in 1978, is undeniably catchy. Its blend of brassy fanfares, swirling strings, and funky rhythms makes it irresistible to sing and dance along to. The song’s popularity was further amplified by the simple, semaphore-like arm movements that became synonymous with it after a 1979 TV performance. Initially understood as a celebration of community and youthful exuberance at YMCA hostels, the song quickly resonated within gay culture, especially given its album title “Cruisin'” and the Village People’s flamboyant, costumed personas.
However, the song’s trajectory took an unexpected turn decades later. In March 2020, YMCA was recognized by the US Library of Congress for its cultural significance, signaling its mainstream acceptance beyond its counter-culture origins. Just a month later, it emerged at anti-lockdown protests during the Covid-19 pandemic. Protesters adapted the song, chanting “MAGA” instead of “YMCA,” and it soon found its way into Donald Trump’s rallies.
Trump, known for cultivating a rally atmosphere more akin to a rock concert than a traditional political event, embraced YMCA wholeheartedly. The song’s upbeat and participatory nature perfectly matched his rallies’ intended vibe. As the lyrics suggest, “There’s no need to feel down… pick yourself off the ground,” a message of optimism and resilience that resonated with his supporters. The “donald trump dance”, often more of a swaying motion with hand gestures, became a regular feature, further cementing the song’s place in Trump’s political brand.
Decoding the Trump-YMCA Connection: Nostalgia, Camp, and Persona
Dr. A Jamie Saris, an anthropologist at Maynooth University, suggests that the link between MAGA and YMCA goes beyond mere fun. Nostalgia plays a significant role. Trump’s base, Dr. Saris argues, is drawn to a romanticized past, a desire to “relive certain moments that they have in their brains as when America was great.” Disco, though once controversial, becomes part of this nostalgic yearning for a perceived simpler time.
Furthermore, the connection has elements of “camp.” Dr. Saris points to the cosplay seen at Trump rallies, where attendees dress as idealized figures of American masculinity. This echoes the Village People’s own costumed identities, which ironically fetishize “wholesome and honest ways of life.” Both, in their own way, engage with and exaggerate symbols of American identity, creating a somewhat surreal and theatrical atmosphere.
Professor James Garratt, author of “Music and Politics: A Critical Introduction,” adds another layer to understanding Trump’s musical choices. He emphasizes that Trump’s selections seem personal and deliberately eclectic. Unlike typical politicians who carefully curate their playlists, Trump appears unconcerned with ideological consistency or conventional campaign anthems. This randomness, Garratt suggests, reflects Trump’s own “mixed-up glory” and unpredictable political persona. The “donald trump dance” to YMCA, therefore, is not necessarily a calculated move to appeal to a specific demographic, but rather an authentic expression of Trump’s unconventional and often contradictory public image.
Irony and Shifting Tunes: The Village People’s Stance
The irony of Donald Trump, a figure not typically associated with LGBTQ+ rights, adopting a song widely considered a gay anthem is hard to ignore. Adding to the complexity, Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People and co-writer of YMCA, initially opposed Trump’s use of the song. In 2020, Willis requested Trump to stop playing their music and even issued a cease-and-desist letter in 2023.
However, Willis later changed his tune. Citing the “financial benefits” from the song’s increased exposure through Trump rallies, Willis publicly thanked the former president for using YMCA. He even controversially declared that YMCA was never intended to be a gay anthem, a statement that sparked considerable debate and further highlighted the song’s multifaceted and sometimes contradictory interpretations.
In conclusion, the association of “donald trump dance” with YMCA is a fascinating cultural phenomenon. It’s a blend of nostalgia, camp, unexpected musical choices, and a dash of irony. More than just a catchy tune, YMCA, in the context of Trump rallies, becomes a symbol of his unconventional political style and the complex tapestry of American identity in the 21st century. It reflects a political figure who defies easy categorization, much like his eclectic and often surprising musical tastes.
