Village People Founder Reconsiders Stance on Trump’s Use of 'Y.M.C.A.'

Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, acknowledges Trump’s role in reviving the song’s popularity and signals openness to performing it for the president-elect, despite past objections.

Victor Willis, the songwriter and founding member of the Village People, stated he would consider performing 'Y.M.C.A.' for President-elect Donald Trump due to the song’s resurgence in popularity linked to Trump’s use of it.
Willis previously opposed Trump’s use of the song at rallies, including sending a cease-and-desist letter in 2023, but now credits Trump with helping 'Y.M.C.A.' reach No. 1 on Billboard’s dance and electronic digital song sales chart after 45 years.
In a recent Facebook post, Willis clarified that 'Y.M.C.A.' is not a gay anthem despite its association with LGBTQ culture, emphasizing its broader appeal and his original intention for the lyrics.
Willis allowed Trump’s continued use of 'Y.M.C.A.' after observing the former president’s genuine enjoyment of the song and noting financial benefits from its renewed popularity.
The 'Trump dance,' a simplified motion Trump performs to the song, has gone viral, with athletes across various sports adopting the move in celebrations, sparking both humor and apolitical defenses.