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As the US presidential election reaches its final stretch, former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump concluded his rally in Georgia with a familiar finale: dancing to “YMCA,” the 1978 disco hit by the Village People.
The song, now a fixture at Trump’s rallies, has become a lively anthem for his campaign and has taken on a unique role within his base, resonating at both his previous anti-lockdown rallies and his signature “Make America Great Again” events.
The legacy of “YMCA”
The song, released in 1978 by the Village People, quickly became a disco sensation, cementing itself as one of the decade’s defining hits. Written by Jacques Morali and Victor Willis, “YMCA” carries a lively beat that propelled it to an iconic status in pop culture.
Known for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, it transcended its initial roots in LGBT culture to become a mainstream disco favourite. The Library of Congress recognized its cultural and historical significance by adding it to the National Recording Registry in 2020, citing its status as an “American phenomenon.”
Why Trump chose “YMCA”
Trump first adopted “YMCA” after his recovery from Covid-19, adding a sense of vigour to his rallies. The song began to resonate with Trump’s supporters during anti-lockdown protests in Michigan, where it was blared over loudspeakers at the Michigan State Capitol as militia members protested restrictions.
For many, however, this choice of song seems contradictory. The track’s association with gay culture and the LGBT community contrasts sharply with the anti-LGBT stance of many conservative groups that back Trump. Evangelical church members, for instance, form a substantial part of Trump’s base and have historically opposed same-sex marriage, with some supporting conversion therapy practices.
Nostalgia in Trump’s base
According to Dr A Jamie Saris, an anthropologist at Ireland’s Maynooth University, Trump’s supporters often embrace the aesthetics of a bygone era. Many middle-aged, white male attendees at his rallies dress in styles that nod to their youth, from Vietnam-era military aesthetics to Bruce Springsteen-style working-class looks. Dr Saris suggests this nostalgia reflects a desire to relive simpler narratives from their past—a “do-over” of American history that aligns with their self-image and cultural memory.
For Trump’s base, “YMCA” may serve as a bridge to that past, tapping into a youthful, carefree spirit through its catchy tune. The song’s infectious beat and memorable chorus transcend its original context, making it a rally favorite, regardless of the apparent ideological tension.
YMCA-Trump controversy
According to TMZ, Village People frontman Victor Willis has dropped objections to Donald Trump using “YMCA” at rallies, acknowledging the publicity boost. Trump’s use is legal, as he obtained a political-use license from BMI, and it even pushed the song to #2 on Billboard’s digital chart.
While Willis’s wife previously sent a cease-and-desist, he now calls a lawsuit “stupid and hateful.” Though Willis doesn’t dislike Trump personally, he supports Kamala Harris in the upcoming election and is open to her using “YMCA” as well.
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