One of the Village People's co-founders Victor Willis says he doesn't object to President-elect Trump's usage of their 1970s era disco hit YMCA. December 3, 2024.
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(New York, NY) – Most of these instances haven’t gone this way. The family of Isaac Hayes for example was very outspoken in their opposition to President-elect Trump’s use of “Hold on, I’m Coming,” during campaign events. Others like The White Stripes and Neil Young have also complained about Trump’s use of their records. But Victor Willis, the Village People’s lead singer and founder, is fine with Trump using the disco classic YMCA.
In recent months, Trump has helped lead to a resurgence in popularity for YMCA. It’s coincided with the viral and mega-popular Trump “dance” which has been performed by athletes, social media influencers, and everyday Americans alike. Willis isn’t too upset, despite being an admitted Kamala Harris voter.
Willis explains he “didn’t have the heart” to make Trump stop using it, because it seems as though the president-elect truly enjoys and appreciates the tune. Willis notes the Trump campaign obtained the license from BMI to play the song. Chances are Willis isn’t too upset about the royalties have resulted, as well. He acknowledged that YMCA “is estimated to (have grossed) several million dollars” since Trump starting using the 1978 disco smash.
