A dance that was popularized by President-elect Donald Trump has now made its way into the sports world, with several US athletes showcasing it to celebrate their plays over the weekend. This dance, which was first seen at Trump’s rallies, involves pumping fists and moving them alongside the body. However, it gained more attention last month when Trump played some of his favorite music during a campaign town hall, dancing to songs like “YMCA” by The Village People.
Following Trump’s re-election to the White House, American athletes have started using this dance to celebrate big plays and wins. This public celebration of the president by sports stars was not as common during his first term in office. The trend began when San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, a vocal Trump supporter, performed the dance after a sack in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Other athletes like Jon Jones at UFC 309 and NFL players Za’Darius Smith, Brock Bowers, and Calvin Ridley have also showcased the ‘Trump dance’ in recent games. British golfer Charley Hull and US men’s soccer national team star Christian Pulisic also joined in on the trend. Despite the political connotations of the dance, Pulisic clarified that it was all in good fun and not meant to be a political statement.
This shift in athletes openly embracing political gestures marks a change from previous years when sports figures like Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James faced criticism for their social and political activism. The growing popularity of the ‘Trump dance’ among athletes reflects a shift in public perception, with some viewing it as a sign that it is now acceptable for athletes to express their political views.
While some see this trend as a positive development, others like Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov have pointed out potential double standards in how athletes’ political expressions are received. Despite differing opinions on the matter, the use of the ‘Trump dance’ in the sports world highlights the intersection of politics and sports in today’s society.
