What Is The 'Trump Dance'? Memes About Jon Jones Doing Trump's Signature 'YMCA' Dance Explained

Ah, the "Trump Dance"--America's most unexpected contribution to interpretive art. Trump first graced our screens with his signature move in October 2020, when he fist-pumped his way through the Village People's YMCA, like a dad at a wedding who just discovered that rhythm is totally optional.

Fast forward to 2024, when Trump just cinched his second election victory. The move is officially back, spreading like wildfire across TikTok, Twitter (now X), and for some reason, MMA rings. Love it or hate it, the Trump Dance is an instantly recognizable boogie that is quickly becoming people's go-to emote. Here's a quick recap of when and how it became such a meme.

When Did Trump First Do His 'Trump Dance'?

In October 2020, during a campaign rally in Florida, then-President Donald Trump introduced what would become his signature dance move: a series of fist pumps and subtle knee bends performed to the beat of the Village People's "YMCA."

This impromptu choreography quickly caught public attention, with supporters viewing it as a display of vitality following his recent recovery from COVID-19, while critics perceived it as a tone-deaf gesture amid the ongoing pandemic.

How Did The 'Trump Dance' Become A Meme?

The "Trump Dance" evolved into a widespread meme when TikTok users began remixing footage of Donald Trump's rally performances. A notable example is a mashup combining Savage's 2005 track "Swing" with Coldplay's "Viva La Vida," which garnered over 9 million views in just two days. This trend inspired numerous TikTokers to create their own versions, mimicking Trump's distinctive moves and contributing to the meme's viral spread.

TikToker @julia_keith_ is often credited with starting the Trump Dance trend on the video sharing app in October 2020, while TikToker @nathanlust gathered over 40 million views on his Trump Dance video in November 2020.

Why Is The 'Trump Dance' Having A Resurgence Today?

The "Trump Dance" has experienced a resurgence online following Donald Trump's recent election victory. Internet jokester posting half-ironic "dance tutorial" style videos for the dance, while supporters revived his signature moves from 2020, sharing videos and memes that celebrate his return to the political stage.

The trend gained further momentum when UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones performed the Trump Dance after his knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. With President-elect Trump in attendance, Jones's homage resonated with fans and amplified the dance's visibility across social media platforms.

Jon Jones did the Trump dance after knocking down and beating Stipe Miocic 😭 pic.twitter.com/Bv719AjIf0

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) November 17, 2024

For the full history of the Trump Dance, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry here and here for more information.