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RARE PHOTOS: Victor willis | Rare Historical Photos

From YMCA to MAGA: why Trump plays Village People at his rallies

It was a bizarre sight watching a huge gay 1970s disco hit being performed at Donald Trump’s 2025 pre-inauguration rally. Many prominent artists from Beyoncé to Bruce Springsteen prohibit Trump from using their music. So why do Village People – a band synonymous with the 1970s gay liberation movement –…

The Conversation

From gay clubs to Maga anthem: the absurd, contested history of the Village People’s YMCA

A barely recognizable version of the band performed the 1978 classic at Donald Trump’s inauguration, the latest chapter in a strange tale of disco, feuds and showboating

The Guardian - US

Village People once tried to stop Trump using their music. Now they’re dancing on stage with him

‘Y.M.C.A’ has played at countless Trump rallies throughout his political career

The Independent UK

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Roll up, roll up! The Trump inauguration may be the least great show on Earth

Despite a few more recognisable names due to appear than last time, this will not be the cultural event of the year, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes

The Guardian - UK

Village People set for inauguration

Eight years ago, Trump and his team struggled to secure big-name musical acts

Salon

LGBT+ backlash after Village People agree to perform at Trump inauguration events

Decision to sing Y.M.C.A. for Trump’s inauguration comes after president-elect regularly danced to the disco classic at his campaign rallies

The Independent UK

Village People, Carrie Underwood To Perform At Trump Inauguration

The Village People -- the group behind "Y.M.C.A," a staple of Donald Trump's rallies -- said Monday they have accepted an invitation from the president-elect to perform at events connected to next week's inauguration.

International Business Times

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Country music star Carrie Underwood to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Other performers include classical singer Christopher Macchio who will close the ceremony with a rendition of the US national anthem.

Evening Standard

Village People founder has change of heart, is considering performing YMCA at Trump inauguration

‘If he were to ask the Village People to perform the song live for him, we’d have to seriously consider it,’ Victor Willis says

The Independent UK

Village People: Trump can use "Y.M.C.A."

Vocalist Victor Willis reversed his years-long condemnation of Trump's usage of their mega-hit

Salon

YMCA has never been gay, says the song’s lyricist and singer

Victor Willis of Village People says the hit is an anthem to Black male friendship – and his wife threatens to sue those who say otherwise

The Guardian - UK

Village People frontman says ‘YMCA’ isn’t a ‘gay anthem’ and supports Trump using it at rallies

Singer-songwriter Victor Willis revealed Trump’s use of the song has greatly benefited its streaming numbers

The Independent UK

Singer: YMCA "not really a gay anthem"

Victor Willis, who co-wrote the track, threatened to sue organizations that associate the song with gay culture

Salon

Musk spent Thanksgiving with Trump

The Tesla CEO spent the holiday at Mar-a-Lago with the president-elect

Salon

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The Independent UK

The President-elect played the famous 1978 gay anthem at almost every single event during his successful run to reclaim the White House, often busting out his specific set of moves

Pedestrian.tv

Beyoncé Is The Latest Artist To Threaten Legal Action Against Donald Trump For Using Her Music

Beyoncé and a growing list of artists, including Rihanna and Céline Dion, are taking a stand against Donald Trump's use of their music.

The Guardian - US

‘And really, that song?’: Celine Dion rebukes Trump for unauthorized use of Titanic tune

Singer jabs at ex-president for playing My Heart Will Go On at campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday

Zenger

Cease And Desist Letter Give Former President Donald Trump A Warning Over Impersonating

The Village People complained about impersonations for entertainment purposes at Mar-A-Lago including their songs.

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The Independent UK

Trump tells supporter ‘you don’t look gay’ at Mar-a-Lago fundraiser

Ex-president backed major anti-LGBTQ policies in office

The Independent UK

Trump tells supporter ‘you don’t look gay’ at Mar-a-Lago fundraiser

Ex-president backed major anti-LGBTQ policies in office

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