President Donald Trump, a fan of the 1978 disco song “YMCA” by the group Village People, was mourning group member Victor Willis Wednesday following news of the musician’s death at age 74.
“He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies,” said Trump in a Truth Social post. “It became a ‘monster’ hit, again, 30 years after its original launch.”
In addition to playing the song, which includes a signature dance where people spell out the letters with their arms, Trump has played “YMCA” at other events. Audacy reported on him dancing to it with Elon Musk, his once-close ally, during a 2024 Thanksgiving party.
Willis was a founding member of the Village People and a co-writer of “YMCA”, according to Variety. He also co-wrote “Macho Man” and “In the Navy”, other hits by the group.
Variety said that Willis grew up in San Francisco, Calif., and that he was the son of a Baptist preacher. Before becoming a disco star, he sang at his father’s church, then moved to New York and joined the Negro Ensemble Company. Willis appeared in many musicals and plays, including the original Broadway production of “The Wiz” in 1976.
A post on the Village People Facebook page this week said: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed on Tuesday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Victor Willis and Jeffrey Lippold of The Village People onstage during the 2017 Streamy Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California.Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dick clark productionsThe group’s signature song, “YMCA”, references the Young Men’s Christian Association recreation centers, per Britannica. It became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community – an interesting contrast to Trump, who has been criticized for his administration’s impact on LGBTQ+ people, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. During Trump’s first term in office, the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry.
“Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set - The crowds were, and are, enormous - But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning! They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song,” said Trump. “We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!”
According to Forbes, Willis voiced opposition to Trump using “YMCA” on multiple occasions. It also said Willis’ wife and business manager, Karen Willis, sent Trump a cease-and-desist letter in 2023.
“Willis never endorsed Trump’s candidacy, and though he eventually gave Trump permission to use ‘YMCA’ for his campaign in 2024, he clarified on Facebook his preferred candidate was former Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Forbes.
