The Village People Announce They’ve Accepted Invitation From President Trump

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Rachel Stevenson
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Well, it looks like the Village People are trading disco balls for inaugural balls, and not everyone is thrilled about it.

The iconic group behind the 1978 hit Y.M.C.A. has officially accepted an invitation to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, a decision that’s already ruffling feathers on social media. But let’s face it—Trump and Y.M.C.A. have been inseparable since his campaign rallies, where supporters turned the song into a viral dance phenomenon. So, is anyone really surprised that the Village People are joining the party? Not if you’ve been paying attention.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the band addressed their fans—and the inevitable backlash—with a message that could only be described as diplomatically cheeky. “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear,” the group wrote, “however, we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.” They went on to call Y.M.C.A. a “global anthem” that can help unite a divided country. Nice sentiment, but good luck selling that to the blue-check Twitter mob that’s already clutching their pearls.

The timing, of course, is chef’s kiss perfect. After Trump’s campaign rallies reignited a nationwide obsession with the song—complete with TikTok dance challenges and even NFL players joining in—it shot back to No. 1 on the Billboard charts after a 46-year hiatus. You read that right: Y.M.C.A. is bigger now than it’s been since the Carter administration. And while the band’s founder, Victor Willis, initially seemed hesitant to attach the Village People to a political event, he admitted that Trump’s viral dance moves made them reconsider. “Because the president-elect has done so much for Y.M.C.A.… if he were to ask the Village People to perform the song live for him, we’d have to seriously consider it.” Well, consider it done.

Of course, the announcement wasn’t just about the Village People. Country superstar Carrie Underwood will also perform America the Beautiful during the inaugural ceremony, adding some country charm to the lineup. In a statement, Underwood expressed her excitement, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.” That sound you hear is the collective sigh of relief from Trump’s team—they’ve managed to bring together disco and country for one very Trumpian mashup. Only in America, folks.

Predictably, the reaction has been split. On one hand, Trump supporters are thrilled, seeing this as yet another cultural win for a president who’s always managed to blend pop culture with politics in ways his opponents can’t seem to grasp. On the other hand, Trump critics are already screeching about the band’s decision, calling it a betrayal of their values. But let’s be honest: if your values are tied to whether or not the Village People sing Y.M.C.A. at an inauguration, it might be time to reevaluate your priorities.

And really, what’s the alternative? The Village People have been crystal clear: they see music as a way to bring people together, not divide them. Whether it’s on the dance floor or at a political rally, their song is meant to be fun, not fuel for partisan outrage. Plus, let’s not forget that Trump’s team helped breathe new life into their decades-old hit, bringing it back into the spotlight for a new generation. Can you really blame the band for leaning into the moment?

So, love it or hate it, the Village People and Carrie Underwood are heading to Washington, D.C., to kick off Trump’s second term with a mix of disco fever and country soul. And honestly, isn’t it kind of perfect? After all, Trump’s presidency has always been a little unconventional, a little theatrical, and unapologetically American—just like Y.M.C.A..

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