‘Trump Dance’ Takes Over Sports Celebrations

In recent weeks, athletes from various sports, including the NFL, UFC, and U.S. men’s soccer, have made headlines by celebrating their victories with a dance that has become associated with President-elect Donald Trump. The dance involves a simple motion of pumping both fists back and forth, a gesture that has now become a symbol of Trump’s influence in popular culture. While some athletes are seen embracing the move as a sign of political support, others insist that it’s merely a trend, with no direct political connotation.

The viral spread of the “Trump dance” began shortly after Trump’s presidential election victory in 2024. One of the first athletes to bring the dance to the forefront was San Francisco 49ers player Nick Bosa, a vocal Trump supporter. During a Nov. 10 game, Bosa celebrated a sack by performing the move on the field, marking the first widely-publicized instance of a player adopting the “Trump dance” as part of a celebratory routine.

Following the game, Bosa explained that the decision to perform the dance came after requests from his teammates. When asked about the inspiration behind the move, he responded with a knowing comment: “I think you know the answer to that question,” implying a connection to Trump. Bosa’s celebration quickly caught the attention of the media and fans, making it the latest symbol of Trump’s cultural impact among sports figures.

The dance didn’t stop with Bosa. UFC fighter Jon Jones joined in on the trend just days later. After defeating Stipe Miocic in their highly anticipated matchup, Jones performed the “Trump dance” in the presence of Trump himself, who was watching the fight from the audience. Jones’s move solidified the dance’s place within the world of combat sports.

By the following Sunday, the dance had spread to other parts of the NFL. Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley were all seen performing the celebratory fist pump during their games, further popularizing the gesture within professional football. Even U.S. men’s national soccer team players got in on the trend. After scoring a goal against Jamaica, team captain Christian Pulisic, along with teammates Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi, performed the dance during their celebration. The dance’s reach even extended internationally, with British soccer players and golfer Charley Hull adopting the move.

Despite its growing popularity, not all athletes who performed the dance have openly expressed support for Trump. Some, like Pulisic, have been quick to clarify that their decision to do the dance wasn’t politically motivated. In an interview with The Athletic, Pulisic acknowledged that the dance was “obviously” associated with Trump but insisted that it wasn’t intended to make a political statement. Instead, he described it as “just a popular trend” and mentioned that he thought it was “funny.” Similarly, Brock Bowers explained to USA Today that he decided to perform the dance after seeing Jones do it at his UFC fight, stating that he simply “thought it was cool.”

The “Trump dance” itself has its roots in Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. During his rallies, Trump often performed the dance to the tune of “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People. The song’s lead singer, Victor Willis, had asked Trump to stop using the song at his rallies, but Trump continued to incorporate the song and his signature dance into his campaign events. His supporters even mimicked the dance in unison, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity at rallies.

Trump’s affinity for the “Trump dance” didn’t end with the 2020 election. During his 2024 campaign, he continued to perform the dance, and it once again became a hallmark of his public persona. The dance also garnered additional attention during an unusual town hall event in Pennsylvania, where Trump, facing disruptions in the crowd due to medical emergencies, decided to turn the situation into a performance. He encouraged staff to play music over the loudspeakers, and for 40 minutes, he swayed and danced to an eclectic mix of songs, including “Y.M.C.A.,” “Ave Maria,” and “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor. The unexpected dance break drew significant attention on social media and sparked discussions about Trump’s unusual campaign style.

In a twist of irony, Nick Bosa performed the “Trump dance” just one day after the NFL fined him $11,255 for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat during a teammate’s on-camera interview. The fine came as a result of the NFL’s rules prohibiting players from displaying personal political messages without prior approval. Bosa, undeterred by the fine, made it clear that he felt his actions were “well worth it,” indicating that he was willing to face consequences for his expression of political beliefs.

The rise of the “Trump dance” is the latest in a series of controversial moments where athletes have used their platforms to make political or politically adjacent statements. In recent years, athletes have faced backlash for their political views, with some choosing to use their visibility to raise awareness about social issues. For example, in 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick ignited a national debate when he kneeled during the National Anthem to protest police brutality. The action sparked similar protests across the league but also drew sharp criticism, including from Trump, who called for players to be “fired” for their protests.

In contrast to these politically charged moments, the “Trump dance” has been framed by some athletes as a lighthearted celebration of a popular cultural trend, with no intention to make a political statement. However, the dance’s association with Trump, particularly in the context of his presidency, continues to fuel debates about politics and celebrity in sports. Whether it’s a simple show of support for a public figure or a more subtle expression of political solidarity, the “Trump dance” is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the intersection of sports and politics.