The ‘Trump dance,’ a quirky set of moves popularized by Donald Trump, has unexpectedly become the latest celebratory trend sweeping across the sports world, and Las Vegas Raiders rookie Brock Bowers is the latest to join in.
From NFL stars to UFC icon Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, and college football players, athletes are adopting the distinctive dance to mark their highlight moments, turning touchdowns, victories, and knockouts into viral sensations. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers became the most recent example when he celebrated a touchdown during Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins with his own rendition of the ‘Trump dance’. This occurred as his post-game media session was concluding, further amplifying the buzz around this unusual trend. Despite the Raiders’ 34-19 loss to the Dolphins, Bowers’ dance move quickly became a talking point.
“I’ve seen everyone do it,” Bowers explained to USA TODAY Sports, in response to the final question of his post-game interview. “I watched the UFC fight [Saturday] night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC so I saw it, and thought it was cool.” Bowers’ adoption of the dance highlights how quickly this trend has spread, even reaching rookies like himself in the NFL.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen keeps the ball during the second half against the Chiefs
Beyond Bowers and the Raiders, the ‘Trump dance’ has been spotted across various sports. Detroit Lions defenders Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez showcased the moves after a key defensive play, while Tennessee Titans players Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also joined in, even prematurely in one instance, to celebrate what they thought was a touchdown. Adding to the dance’s growing presence in diverse sports, U.S. men’s soccer player Christian Pulisic performed the ‘Trump dance’ after scoring a goal against Jamaica on Monday night, demonstrating its reach beyond American football and into international soccer.
The dance itself is remarkably simple, contributing to its viral appeal and easy adoption. It involves bending your elbows, making fists, and swaying your arms back and forth, capturing what many perceive as the ‘Trump vibes’. Adding head tilts and expressive facial gestures can further enhance the performance. Trump originally made this stiff, yet distinctive, boogie a signature part of his campaign rallies during the 2024 presidential election, which he won against Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, this once-political dance has morphed into a lighthearted form of celebration within the sports world, creating an unexpected intersection of sports and politics.
The connection between Trump and the dance was further solidified when Trump himself was present ringside at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. He appeared amused as Jon Jones playfully incorporated his version of the ‘Trump dance’ not once, but twice during the event. Jones, in his post-fight interview, proudly declared, “I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion,” further intertwining the dance with a sense of American pride and identity, themes often associated with Trump’s political persona.
This embrace of the ‘Trump dance’ in sports marks a significant shift from just a few years prior. Previously, Trump criticized NFL players for kneeling during the National Anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice, accusing them of disrespecting the American flag. However, the current trend sees NFL athletes, and others, being celebrated and shared on social media by Trump himself, highlighting a notable evolution in his relationship with the sports world.
San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa is widely credited with initiating the ‘Trump dance’ trend in the NFL. He first performed it during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 10th, celebrating a sack alongside teammates Leonard Floyd, Sam Okuayinonu, and Fred Warner. Bosa’s dance quickly gained traction, even earning him a direct mention from Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social.
When questioned by the San Francisco Chronicle about his inspiration, Bosa revealed, “I think you know the answer to that question. All the guys wanted me to do it. I wasn’t even going to do it, but the boys reminded me. And it was fun.” This indicates a peer-driven aspect to the trend, suggesting athletes are adopting it partly for camaraderie and shared fun. West Virginia’s Nicco Marchiol also had his ‘Trump dance’ acknowledged by Trump on social media on November 12th, further fueling the trend’s visibility.
College athletes have also embraced the dance, with Drake University’s Trey Radocha, Northern Illinois University’s Tristen Tewes, and University of Texas defender Michael Taaffee all showcasing their renditions during games. East Carolina quarterback Katin Houser is believed to be one of the earliest adopters in college sports, starting his celebrations shortly after the November 5th election.
The virality of the ‘Trump dance’ is perhaps not surprising given Trump’s long-standing presence in pop culture, even amidst his divisive political career. At 78 years old, Trump remains a figure deeply embedded in the American consciousness. The ‘Trump dance’ phenomenon is now challenging the conventional notion that athletes should avoid political expressions, presenting a playful and somewhat absurd intersection of sports, politics, and viral internet culture that shows no signs of slowing down.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
