USA Before Trump’s swearing in: "YMCA" echoes through Washington






An LGBTQ+ anthem to raise the mood among Trump supporters? What sounds paradoxical works surprisingly well – the future US president is a big fan of the song himself.

At a rally on the evening before Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, the band Village People paid musical tribute to the US President-elect. During his election campaign, the Republican used her world-famous hit “YMCA” and the song “Macho Man” (both from 1978) to set the mood at almost every event. The “YMCA” live performance shortly before he took power on Monday was the icing on the cake, so to speak.

Trump also showed off his now iconic dance, a slightly awkward choreography that caused enthusiasm among his supporters. The “Trump Dance” was considered an integral part of his performances and has long since spread as a meme on the Internet.

“YMCA” on every street corner

Trump has been celebrated since the weekend by his supporters, who traveled from all over the country especially for the swearing-in. Despite the cold, wet winter weather, the streets of the capital are filled with his supporters; They wear red caps with his slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) or are equipped with other fan paraphernalia with a Trump aesthetic. And on many corners one song plays particularly often: “YMCA”.

The Village People, who no longer perform in their original line-up, are taking part in several events that take place as part of the swearing-in. The group has a very ambivalent relationship with Trump. She initially expressed her displeasure that her songs were being played at his campaign rallies without permission and in a political context. But later they accepted it without further criticism.

Lead singer Victor Willis had previously defended his participation in the celebrations in Washington against criticism from fans: “We know that some of you will not like to hear this, but we believe that music should be played without reference to politics,” he wrote on Facebook. The song is intended to help unite the country after a turbulent election campaign.

Unofficial LGBTQ+ anthem

Few songs connect as many people as the 1970s classic – the catchy chorus and accompanying arm movements that draw the letters “YMCA” in the air are a dance that almost everyone knows.

The song is also considered an unofficial anthem of the LGBTQ+ community. The lyrics, which describe life around the Young Men’s Christian Association (“YMCA”), were interpreted by many as a subtle reference to safe spaces for gay men – a theme that was still ongoing at the time of the song’s release more than 40 years ago was taboo.

Lead singer Willis has rejected this interpretation in the past, but the symbolic power remains. The fact that the song is now associated with the Republican Trump of all people seems paradoxical to many: his party often represents positions that are aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights and, among other things, campaigns massively against the rights of trans people.

  • Donald Trump

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  • Victor Willis

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