A new and unexpected viral trend has taken over the sporting world in the United States: the “Donald Trump dance.” This quirky celebration, inspired by the awkward dance moves of the U.S. President-elect at his campaign rallies, has quickly spread across various sports, from the gritty fights in the UFC to the polished greens of the LPGA.
The trend first gained significant traction last week when U.S. soccer player Christian Pulisic showcased his version of the dance after scoring a goal in a 4-2 win over Jamaica. Celebrating with teammates, Pulisic was seen fist-pumping and shimmying in a clear homage to Trump’s signature shuffle. This celebration has now become a favorite among American athletes following standout moments.
Trump’s Influence Spreads Across Sports
The “Trump dance” has been seen at numerous high-profile events. On Saturday, UFC fighter Jon Jones performed the dance after his knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden. With Trump watching from ringside, Jones presented him with his newly won heavyweight title, completing the moment with a playful nod to the viral dance.
For many athletes, the dance serves as a way to express their personality and tap into current cultural trends. San Francisco 49ers player Nick Bosa was one of the first NFL stars to adopt the move, performing it after a sack on November 10. This came just days after Bosa faced criticism for wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap during a postgame interview.
“I wasn’t even planning on doing it, but the guys encouraged me. It was fun,” Bosa said, though he declined to openly credit Trump, commenting, “I think you know the answer to that question.”
NFL and college athletes have followed suit, with several adding the dance to their celebrations, much to the joy of fans. Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers performed the dance after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, later revealing that Jones’ UFC celebration inspired him.
The Trump Dance Goes Global
The cultural impact of the Trump dance has even reached beyond American men’s sports. On Sunday, England’s Charley Hull playfully mimicked the shuffle during her final round match against Nelly Korda at the Annika tournament in Florida. Her lighthearted nod to the viral trend added an unexpected moment of fun to the golf event.
As the Trump dance continues to spread, it’s taking on a life of its own. Former U.S. soccer star Alexi Lalas expressed his amusement at Pulisic’s celebration on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his excitement: “Pulisic scores. Pulisic does the Trump dance. We’re winning the World Cup…bigly.”
What started as a political gesture has evolved into an athletic celebration, transcending its origins. Whether in UFC, NFL, or LPGA, athletes are embracing the dance as a fun and infectious way to celebrate victory.
