Staff Reports
The list of Donald Trump’s accolades seems to grow longer by the day, adding yet another title: dance trendsetter. Yes, you read that right. The freshly minted president-elect, known for his business savvy and reality TV charisma, can now lay claim to influencing the latest dance craze to hit the sports world.
This phenomenon kicked off with Christian Pulisic, the captain of the U.S. men’s national soccer team. During a recent match against Jamaica, where the U.S. team celebrated a thrilling 4-2 victory, Pulisic couldn’t resist busting out the now-infamous “Trump dance.” This celebration comes at an opportune time, as the team celebrates a ticket to the semifinals of the 2024-2025 Concacaf Nations League. Move over TikTok; professional athletes are getting in on the act and stealing the limelight of the dance floor.
Whoa. Soccer star Christian Pulisic just broke out in a Trump dance celebration after scoring for the US Men’s National Team. It’s like a veil of secrecy and silence has lifted now that people know we’re the majority. America feels like America again. 🔥pic.twitter.com/N5xxCSnJph
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) November 19, 2024
The “Trump dance” first made waves at his rallies, with Trump showing off his moves to the catchy tune of the Village People’s “YMCA.” While Pulisic’s dance moves might have brought joy to millions of conservative fans, it’s a stark contrast to the antics of some of his female counterparts. Remember Megan Rapinoe? While Pulisic was celebrating with gleeful choreography worthy of a TikTok trend, Rapinoe was busy causing a ruckus by refusing to visit the White House after the women’s World Cup victory in 2019. Clearly, one player dances to honor the nation, while the other chooses to scorn it.
Pulisic’s joyful tribute is not just a sports moment; it’s a cultural commentary. The famously outspoken, left-leaning Rapinoe contrasted sharply with her teammate’s lighthearted celebration of the president-elect. Instead of criticizing the U.S. government or kneeling for social justice movements on the field, Pulisic chose to embrace the spirit of the occasion—this time in harmony with Trump’s legacy.
This new trend began taking shape just a few weeks ago, with Leonard Floyd of the San Francisco 49ers becoming the first public athlete to showcase the dance after a teammate’s sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since then, a cavalcade of athletes from across various sports have jumped on the bandwagon, including UFC’s Jon Jones and NFL stars like Brock Bowers, Calvin Ridley, and Za’Darius Smith. They seem to be trading in their usual post-game celebrations for a bit of Trump-inspired flair.
In less than five years, the narrative surrounding Trump and sports figures has shifted dramatically. While the women’s team took a stand against him with virtually every opportunity, the men’s team is now openly embracing Trump’s influence—even choosing to dance in his honor. It’s a sign of changing tides that proves conservative values are not just making a resurgence—they’re making quite the lasting impression on the dance floor.
