President Donald Trump shared a message honoring Village People singer and “YMCA” co-writer Victor Willis, who died on Tuesday (June 30) at the age of 74.
The day after the musician’s death, President Trump memorialized him in a post on Truth Social: “He was a great, happy man who loved the fact that I used his group’s song ‘YMCA’ at my rallies.”
“Thirty years after its initial release, it’s a ‘monster’ hit again,” the President continued. “After all the rally attendance records were set, many singers and groups wanted to participate in the rally. The audience was and still is huge. But Victor and the group supported us from the beginning. They loved the action and we loved them and their wonderful uplifting songs.”
“We will remember Victor every time we come to the YMCA like today and throughout his fourth birthday week this July,” President Trump added. “My condolences to his wonderful family and group. Victor Willis will be sorely missed. God bless him!!!”
Willis’ family announced his death in a Facebook post Wednesday morning, saying he had been battling a “short but serious illness.” The star contributed to four of the Village People’s five Billboard Hot 100 entries and contributed to “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” and “Go West,” as well as “YMCA,” which Trump mentioned is the president’s favorite song in recent years. Willis initially requested that the No. 2 hit song be stopped at campaign events, but changed his mind in 2024.
“He continued to use this song because he took the time to apply for a political license and is legally entitled to do so,” Willis wrote about Trump on Facebook at the time. “I’m not going to sue over the president’s use of ‘YMCA’ because it’s stupid and just plain hateful.”
Months later, Willis further strengthened his position, slamming the labeling of “YMCA” by some as a “gay anthem.” “‘Trump’ seems to really like the YMCA and is having a lot of fun with it,” the artist wrote, also highlighting the song’s resurgence in listeners, which he credits to the president. “So I didn’t have the heart to stop him from continuing to use my songs, even though so many artists were withdrawing their use of his material.”
In January 2025, Willis was scheduled to reunite with his Village People bandmates to perform “YMCA” at President Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
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