Trump teaches students his signature ‘YMCA’ fist-pump dance at White House fitness event

Donald Trump praised student athletes at the White House, joked about his workouts, and missed three straight golf putts on the South Lawn
Donald Trump revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, bringing fitness tests back to 150+ schools on US military bases (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Donald Trump revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, bringing fitness tests back to 150+ schools on US military bases (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump brought a burst of showmanship to the White House lawn as he treated a group of teens to a quick masterclass in his signature fist-pumping “Macho Man” dance.

The students were invited to the White House on Tuesday, May 5, for an event where the president approved the return of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

The revived award also mandated that more than 150 schools on US military bases reinstate student fitness assessments, including activities like a one-mile run and sit-ups.

The program, which began in the 1950s, was ended during the Obama administration. However, Trump announced plans to revive it last year.

President Donald Trump speaks before signing a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump speaks before signing a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump teaches signature dance to student athletes

After announcing the revival of the program, Trump and other attendees moved to the White House’s South Lawn, where the president stepped into the role of dance instructor, demonstrating the now-familiar arm motions that have become a staple of his rallies.

As the Village People’s "YMCA" played, Trump joined in for a few moments, flashing a broad smile and gesturing through the iconic moves as students joined the fun.



"SPOTTED: PRESIDENT TRUMP TEACHING THE TRUMP DANCE ON THE SOUTH LAWN 🇺🇸," wrote the official White House account while sharing the video of the moment on X.

Trump's dancing has become one of the most recognizable visuals from the event, where he also stressed the importance of physical fitness.

U.S. President Donald Trump joins young athletes exercising following a proclamation signing in the Oval Office of the White House on May 05, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed a presidential memorandum restoring the Presidential Fitness Test Award, which was reinstated by executive order in July 2025 and reintroduces a performance-based benchmark in physical education. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump joins young athletes exercising following a proclamation signing in the Oval Office of the White House on May 05, 2026 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Trump jokes about workout routine at White House event

Earlier in the program, Donald Trump welcomed student athletes to the White House and emphasized the importance of physical fitness in their lives.

"We’re thrilled to have so many young athletes here at the White House," Trump said. "It is indeed a beautiful day to celebrate America’s athletic traditions and champions and physical fitness,” he added.

He also joked about his own workout habits, saying, "I work out so much, like about one minute a day max if I’m lucky," Trump said.

However, when he attempted to showcase his athletic side through his preferred sport, golf, he stumbled, missing three putts in a row.

US President Donald Trump hits a putt as US golfer Bryson DeChambeau (R), South African retired golfer Gary Player (C) and student athletes watch on the putting green on the South Lawn of the White House. (Photo by Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)President Donald Trump hits a putt as US golfer Bryson DeChambeau (R), South African retired golfer Gary Player (C) and student athletes watch on the putting green on the South Lawn of the White House (Kent NISHIMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

A temporary putting green was laid out on the South Lawn of the White House, where Donald Trump joined Bryson DeChambeau and Gary Player in taking a few shots at the cup.

Daily Caller White House correspondent Reagan Reese noted that it was not clearly Trump’s day.

"The president and his friends did some putting. He missed all three attempts. Gary Player went after the president. He also missed. Bryson went next. He missed too," she wrote.

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