The 47th President of the United States paid tribute on Truth Social to the memory of Victor Willis, co-founder of the Village People who died on Tuesday, who had authorized him to use “YMCA” during his meetings. A look back at a relationship made of arm wrestling and reconciliation.
A great music lover before the eternal, Donald J. Trump wanted to pay tribute to Victor Willis, co-founder of the Village People, who died Tuesday following a “short but devastating illness”. The 47th president described the singer as a jovial man, who loved performing in front of MAGA crowds at his rallies.
He continues: “They loved the vibe, and we loved them and their great, catchy song. We will think of Victor every time “YMCA” is played, like today, and throughout this July 4th anniversary week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group. Victor Willis will be missed terribly, God bless him!!! »
Victor Willis co-founded the Village People alongside producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo in 1977. Playing the character of the policeman within the disco group, he was the last member of the original group still present when he died.
Released in 1978, “YMCA” — of which Willis is a credited co-writer — is often seen, due to the group’s queer roots, as a “gay anthem.” A reading that the person concerned contested. “It doesn’t bother me that gay people want to make it their anthem”he declared in 2025. “But when we want to make a big deal out of it by talking about a “gay anthem” because of the daring nature of the lyrics, it’s false: nothing in my lyrics talks about homosexuality or gay acts at the “YMCA”. If something needs to be said, just say “anthem.” »
Trump began using “YMCA” at his rallies in 2020, without permission from Willis or the Village People. The singer was initially opposed to it, even considering taking him to court. In 2023, after a new use at Mar-a-Lago accompanied by extras costumed as members of the group, his wife and lawyer Karen Willis sent a formal notice to Trump. But after the latter's victory in the 2024 presidential election, Willis softened his position and authorized the use of the title.
In 2025, Willis took the stage with a revamped lineup of the Village People and Trump himself to perform “YMCA” on the eve of his second inauguration. “We know this won't please some of you, but we believe that music should be played without political considerations”the group then wrote on social networks. “Our song “YMCA” is a global anthem that we hope will help bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our favorite candidate lost. »
