President Trump got an unexpected musical tribute in Beijing on Thursday when a Chinese military band broke into one of his trademark campaign anthems during a lavish state banquet — and yes, it was “YMCA.”
The Village People disco classic, long associated with Trump rallies and his signature fist-pumping dance routine, was reportedly performed as part of an eclectic set list during the formal event in China’s capital. According to a photo of the evening’s program published by The Independent, the Chinese military ensemble also performed Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music, and the 1985 charity anthem “We Are the World.”
But it was “YMCA” that instantly stood out.
For years, the song has become inseparable from Trump’s public persona. Whether at campaign rallies, victory speeches, or official appearances, Trump routinely closes events by swaying and fist-pumping along to the 1978 disco hit while supporters cheer.
The image of a Chinese military band playing the same tune during a high-profile diplomatic banquet added a surreal layer to an already heavily choreographed state visit.
Trump himself recently joked about the dance routine while discussing first lady Melania Trump’s reaction to it.
According to the president, Melania believes his “YMCA” dancing is less than presidential.
“She hates it,” Trump reportedly said, though he quickly made clear he has no plans to stop.
That much has become obvious.
The song has evolved into one of the defining pop culture quirks of Trump’s political career — instantly recognizable to both supporters and critics alike. Even after years of rallies and viral clips, Trump still appears to enjoy the routine as much as ever.
The banquet playlist itself reflected an unusual blend of Americana, Broadway nostalgia, and soft-power symbolism. “We Are the World,” with its message of international unity, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” a globally recognizable Disney ballad, appeared carefully selected for broad familiarity. “Edelweiss,” meanwhile, carried its own subtle undertones of patriotism and sentimentality from The Sound of Music.
Still, none of those selections generated the reaction that “YMCA” did.
Social media quickly lit up over the image of uniformed Chinese military musicians serenading Trump with the disco anthem that has become one of the most recognizable soundtrack choices in American politics.
