The sporting world in the United States has recently been swept up in an unexpected viral trend: the "Donald Trump dance."
This unique celebration, inspired by the US President-elect’s somewhat awkward boogie moves from his campaign rallies, has rapidly gained traction across multiple sports disciplines, from the bloodied battlefields of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to the disciplined greens of the LPGA Tour.
The trend first caught significant attention last week when US soccer star Christian Pulisic showcased his rendition after scoring a goal in a 4-2 victory over Jamaica.
Rushing to the sideline with his teammates, Pulisic was seen fist-pumping and shimmying in a clear tribute to Trump’s signature on-stage shuffle. This celebration has now become synonymous with American athletes following standout performances.
Trump's influence expands across sports
The "Donald Trump" dance has been featured in numerous other events. On Saturday, UFC fighter Jon Jones, following his knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, performed the hip-swinging celebration in front of a raucous crowd.
With Trump sitting ringside, Jones proceeded to present the President-elect with his newly won heavyweight belt, completing the iconic moment with a nod to the viral dance.
For many athletes, the dance has become a way to demonstrate personality and engage with current cultural moments. San Francisco 49ers player Nick Bosa was one of the first NFL players to popularize the move, dancing sacking an opponent during a game on November 10.
His bold move came just days after he faced backlash for wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap at a postgame interview.
“I wasn’t even going to do it, but the boys reminded me. And it was fun,” Bosa said of his decision to take part in the Trump dance. However, he declined to directly credit Trump as his inspiration, stating, “I think you know the answer to that question.”
NFL and collegiate players alike have followed suit, with several athletes incorporating the dance into their celebrations, much to the delight of fans and commentators. Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was seen performing the dance after scoring a touchdown in his team's loss to the Miami Dolphins. Bowers later admitted to having been inspired by Jones’ performance in the UFC fight the previous evening.
The Trump dance goes global
The cultural reach of the Trump dance even extended beyond the men’s leagues. On Sunday, England's Charley Hull was seen jokingly mimicking the signature shuffle during her final round match against Nelly Korda at the Annika tournament in Florida. As she walked down the fairway, the LPGA star’s playful nod to the viral trend added a surprising moment of levity to the professional golf event.
As the Trump dance continues to spread, it seems to be gaining a life of its own. Former US international soccer player Alexi Lalas expressed his amusement at Pulisic’s move, sharing his excitement on X (formerly Twitter). “Pulisic scores. Pulisic does the Trump dance. We’re winning the World Cup…bigly,” Lalas tweeted, using a well-known Trumpism to celebrate the growing trend.
The dance, a curious fusion of athletic celebration and political influence, has transcended its origins as a political gimmick to become an expression of personality within the sporting world. Whether in the UFC, NFL, or LPGA, athletes are embracing the move as a fun and infectious way to celebrate success.
