Less than seven years ago, Donald Trump was at odds with the NFL, aggressively criticizing players who kneeled during the national anthem in protest of racism and police brutality. Fast forward to today, and things have certainly changed. Just two weeks after being elected the 47th president of the United States, Trump found himself making waves in the NFL once again—this time in a much different context.
Without attending a single game, Trump was at the center of Week 11 as multiple sports figures emulated his dance moves, inspired by the celebrations he showcased at campaign rallies. UFC fighter Jon Jones may have led the charge, breaking out the dance in front of the president-elect on Saturday night.
While opposition to Trump still exists within the sports world—plenty of athletes, coaches, and figures like Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers have been vocal critics—the recent trend marked a notable culture shift as some high-profile names in sports took part in the playful tribute. It was clear that this particular weekend was about more than just games and scores; it was a moment of pop culture blending with athletics, and Trump’s dance became the unexpected centerpiece.
So what is it about Trump’s dance, and why is it suddenly taking over the sports world?
Trump’s dance moves first gained widespread attention during his rallies, particularly in his last two presidential campaigns. The dance typically features Trump swaying and pumping his fists back and forth to the music, often set to the Village People’s “YMCA,” which became the unofficial anthem of his 2020 campaign.
The simplicity of the moves is unsurprising given Trump’s age—the 77-year-old president-elect kept it easygoing, though he occasionally added flair, such as a mock golf swing he incorporated during rallies toward the end of his 2024 campaign.
Over the course of the 2024 campaign, the dance gained traction on social media, becoming a meme that permeated mainstream culture. It was only a matter of time before the sports world caught on, and that moment came in Week 11 of the NFL season.
It all seemed to start with UFC fighter Jon Jones, who broke out a spirited version of the dance immediately after defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
In front of a roaring crowd, Jones performed an animated version of the Trump dance directly in front of the president-elect, even giving Trump a thumbs-up as the two exchanged a brief, celebratory moment.
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But Jones wasn’t the only athlete to get in on the action. Just a day later, the trend spread to the NFL, where several players decided to channel their inner Trump during game celebrations. Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers pulled out the Trump dance after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. The celebration was short-lived, however, as the team cut Bowers’ media availability after he was asked about the dance postgame, perhaps avoiding the political undertones the move might carry.
Calvin Ridley, wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, also joined in on the trend during the Titans’ matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Ridley performed the Trump dance following what he thought was a long touchdown catch, prompting cheers from some of Trump’s supporters. Unfortunately for Ridley, the celebration was for naught, as the play was ultimately negated by a penalty.
Detroit Lions pass-rushers Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez took the trend a step further during their game against the New England Patriots. After sacking quarterback Mac Jones, Smith celebrated by doing the Trump dance, joined by teammate Rodriguez, who added the signature golf swing move that Trump himself often threw into his campaign performances.
The pair’s choreographed tribute drew plenty of attention and even more social media chatter as fans reacted to the unexpected dance moves.
Arguably, 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa was the one who kicked off the Trump dance trend in the NFL. In Week 10, just days after Trump’s election victory, Bosa led his teammates in a group rendition of the dance after a big defensive play. Bosa has been an outspoken supporter of Trump in the past, even incurring a fine for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat on the field after a game.
His willingness to make his political beliefs part of his public persona has made Bosa a lightning rod for both praise and criticism, and his adoption of the Trump dance was no different—it quickly went viral and set the stage for others to follow.
The sudden prevalence of the Trump dance in sports has sparked conversations and debates. Some see it as a harmless bit of fun, a nod to a cultural moment that has become a meme, while others view it as an indication of a deeper shift in how athletes are choosing to engage with politics and public figures.
Trump’s history with the sports world has been contentious, but his ability to influence pop culture—even within leagues like the NFL that he once openly criticized—speaks to the evolving nature of his relationship with athletes.
Despite the visible support, it’s important to note that Trump still has plenty of critics within the athletic community. Prominent figures like Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers have remained vocal in their criticism of Trump’s policies and rhetoric, making it clear that not everyone is on board with embracing the president-elect.
Nevertheless, the fact that athletes as prominent as Jon Jones and Nick Bosa are willing to break out the Trump dance on national television highlights just how much influence Trump continues to wield.
For now, the Trump dance appears to have found a home in the sports world, at least among certain athletes.
Whether this trend will stick around or fade away remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the intersection of sports, politics, and pop culture continues to create moments that leave fans talking long after the final whistle blows.
