President Donald Trump received a musical surprise during a lavish state banquet in Beijing on Thursday when a Chinese military band performed several Western classics — including one of his signature campaign songs, “YMCA” by the Village People.
The performance quickly drew attention online after reports revealed the disco anthem was included in the evening’s set list alongside other recognizable songs such as Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from Disney’s The Lion King, “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music, and the charity single “We Are the World” by USA for Africa. A photo of the official program published by The Independent confirmed the selections.
Trump has long embraced “YMCA” as part of his public image. The 1978 hit became a staple at his rallies during both presidential campaigns and is frequently played at campaign stops, celebrations and official appearances. The president is known for dancing along to the song with his trademark fist-pumping routine, a move that has become closely associated with his political brand.
The moment in Beijing added an unusual cultural twist to the state visit, blending formal diplomacy with a playlist packed with American pop culture references. State banquets involving foreign leaders are often carefully choreographed, with music selections intended to create a welcoming atmosphere or subtly flatter guests through familiar cultural touchstones.
Video clips and photos from the evening circulated widely on social media, with many users pointing out the irony and humor of hearing a Chinese military ensemble perform “YMCA” for the American president. Others noted the eclectic nature of the song choices, which ranged from Broadway classics to 1980s humanitarian pop anthems.
Trump even has the Chinese playing “YMCA” With a marching band. pic.twitter.com/YcOyOWlmlC
— Josh Ryan 🍁 (@joshryanjames) May 13, 2026
Trump himself has previously joked about his attachment to the Village People song. In a recent interview, he revealed that first lady Melania Trump is not particularly fond of his public dance routine.
“She hates it,” Trump reportedly said, explaining that she considers the moves “unpresidential.”
Still, that criticism has done little to discourage him from continuing the tradition. The song remains one of the most recognizable features of Trump’s political events, often signaling the end of a rally as supporters cheer and dance along.
The Village People have had a complicated relationship with Trump’s use of the song over the years. While some criticism emerged from fans and commentators regarding its use at political events, members of the group have also acknowledged that the renewed exposure helped introduce the track to younger audiences and boosted streaming numbers.
The Beijing banquet itself was part of a broader diplomatic visit aimed at easing tensions between the United States and China amid ongoing disputes over trade, technology and military influence. While official discussions focused on policy and economic issues, the musical performance offered a lighter and more theatrical moment during the high-profile visit.
For Trump, though, the standout moment of the night may have simply been hearing one of his favorite songs performed halfway around the world by a Chinese military band.
