President-elect Donald Trump’s signature dance moves have taken social media and the sports world by storm, with U.S. athletes and UK teams performing it on sports fields.
The dance gained attention during Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, when he energized supporters by pumping his fists and swaying to the song “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People. Trump revived it during his 2024 campaign, with supporters enthusiastically joining in and mimicking his moves.
Unlike his first term, sports stars are now openly embracing the “Trump dance.” His signature moves have become a celebratory gesture among American athletes, with soccer players, football players, golfers, and MMA fighters spreading the trend across the sports world.
Following Trump’s historic reelection, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, celebrated a sack with a few teammates during the Niners’ week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“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,” Bosa told reporters, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The move quickly spread to other sports. At UFC 309 on Saturday, UFC fighter Jon Jones performed the “Trump dance” to celebrate his victory against Stipe Miocic, as Trump watched from the audience.
Jon Jones also approached the president-elect, shaking hands and allowing Trump to hold his heavyweight title belt.
On Sunday, the “Trump dance” was seen across the NFL, with Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley all joining in.
When asked whether the league would permit this dance style, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Epoch Times on Thursday that the league has “no issue” with players celebrating big plays and touchdowns with the “Trump dance.”
Christian Pulisic, captain of the U.S. men’s soccer team, performed the “Trump dance” alongside teammates Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi on Monday after scoring a goal against Jamaica.
“It’s not a political dance. It was just for fun. I saw a bunch of people do it and thought it was funny, so I enjoyed it,” Pulisic told The Athletic.
The dance has traveled across the Atlantic, with British soccer players and golfer Charley Hull joining in.
In the UK football league, Stephen Humphrys of Barnsley marked his equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Fulham.
LPGA Tour star Charley Hull appeared to perform the viral dance during The Annika tournament in Florida. The 28-year-old British golfer, who finished in a tie for second place, broke out the move during the event’s final round.
The dance has also gained popularity on social media, where it’s widely mimicked.
Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, reposted a viral video showing a Chinese bridegroom celebrating his wedding party with the hashtag #TrumpDance.
One user commented: “It’s a discreet masculine dance, it is not obscene, decent movements, and all age groups can easily copy President Trump’s dance moves even a baby can imitate it.”
On Tuesday, Trump shared a post on his Truth Social account stating, “TRUMP DANCE SWEEPS THE NATION,” accompanied by a compilation video of NFL players mimicking his moves.