President Donald Trump pays tribute to Victor Willis, the Village People singer and frontman, after Willis dies at age 74. Multiple outlets report that Trump highlights how “Y.M.C.A.”—the band’s best-known song—has been repeatedly used at his rallies and campaign events. The Hill and Deadline say Trump credits those appearances with giving the song renewed attention, with Trump posting on Truth Social that people will think of Willis whenever “Y.M.C.A.” is played. Deadline also reports Willis had previously objected to the song’s use by Trump’s campaign, though Trump’s team later embraced it.
Other outlets focus on Trump’s personal remarks, including describing Willis as a “great and happy guy” and saying he will be “sorely missed.” Forbes and Washington Times describe Trump’s praise following the announcement of Willis’s death. Across the coverage, “Y.M.C.A.” is presented as a recurring element of Trump events, and Willis is identified as a key figure behind the song’s enduring popularity in that context.
