Trump mourns Village People's Victor Willis, says 'YMCA' became campaign anthem after rally boom

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump paid tribute to Village People's lead singer Victor Willis on Wednesday, July 1, after the disco icon died at 74, remembering him not only for his music but also for embracing the use of 'YMCA' at Trump campaign rallies.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said Willis stood by him despite criticism and credited the singer with helping turn the 1978 anthem into one of the defining songs of his political movement, saying it became a "monster hit" all over again.

Trump recalls rally anthem revival

Trump said Willis supported the use of 'YMCA' from the beginning, even when others criticized the song's association with his campaign.

"He strongly believed that it greatly helped revitalize the song, making it into a monster hit once again," Trump wrote, adding that millions of supporters embraced the anthem during campaign rallies across the country.

The president said Willis understood how closely the song had become linked with his political events and praised him for standing firm despite outside pressure.

Trump also credited the Village People with allowing Americans to rediscover one of disco's most recognizable hits decades after its original release.

Victor Willis remembered beyond disco legacy

Willis died following what his family described as a "short, but aggressive" illness, according to a statement shared on his official Facebook page.

As the original lead vocalist and co-writer of several Village People classics, including 'YMCA', 'Macho Man', and 'In the Navy', Willis helped propel the group to worldwide fame during the late 1970s disco era.

While the songs remained cultural staples for decades, 'YMCA' experienced renewed visibility during Trump's presidential campaigns, where the president frequently danced to the song at rallies and campaign events.

In his tribute, Trump said Willis would be remembered every time the anthem is played, calling him "a truly talented man" whose music brought joy to millions.

"Our hearts are with his wonderful wife, Karen, and the rest of his family and friends," Trump wrote. "Victor, you will be greatly missed."

The Village People confirmed Willis' death in a social media statement, while fans and public figures across the political and entertainment worlds remembered his contributions to American pop culture.

Trump's message reflected on the unusual connection that developed between the singer and the president, whose rallies helped introduce 'YMCA' to a new generation of listeners while cementing its place as one of the signature songs of modern American politics.