Former President Donald Trump’s signature YMCA dance has taken professional sports by storm, with NFL players and UFC fighters incorporating the move into their celebrations. Originally a staple at Trump’s campaign rallies, where he would groove to the Village People’s iconic song, the dance has now crossed over into the world of sports entertainment.
On Sunday, November 17, the San Francisco 49ers made headlines during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After Nick Bosa sacked quarterback Baker Mayfield, members of the 49ers defense celebrated the key play by breaking into Trump’s famous dance. This sparked a chain reaction as other NFL players followed suit.
The Tennessee Titans joined the trend when wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine celebrated a stunning 98-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings with the same dance. His teammate, Calvin Ridley, added flair to the performance, making the moment go viral on social media.
Similarly, the Las Vegas Raiders got in on the action when tight end Brock Bowers celebrated a 23-yard touchdown against the Miami Dolphins with the dance. Meanwhile, Detroit Lions defenders Malcolm Rodriguez and Za’Darius Smith put their own spin on it, incorporating mock golf swings into their rendition after a successful sack.
But the trend wasn’t limited to the gridiron. The Trump dance found its way into the UFC octagon during UFC 309. After a third-round TKO victory over Stipe Miocic, Jon “Bones” Jones celebrated with the dance before thanking Trump, who was in attendance for the fight.
This unexpected crossover of politics and sports entertainment has added a layer of spectacle to recent games and events. As the dance continues to gain traction, it’s becoming a viral sensation that bridges the gap between pop culture and professional sports.
Fans and critics alike are watching to see how far the Trump-inspired celebration will spread—and who will perform it next.