President Donald Trump paid tribute to Village People co-founder and lead singer Victor Willis, who passed away on Tuesday after battling an aggressive illness. He was 74.
In a post on his Truth Social app on Wednesday, Trump remembered Willis as “a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies.”
“It became a ‘monster’ hit, again, 30 years after its original launch. Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set – The crowds were, and are, enormous – But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning! They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song.”
Trump continued: “We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!”
Willis was the voice and co-writer behind the group’s timeless disco anthem “YMCA.”
He had originally requested that Trump cease using the song at campaign events, but he changed his mind in 2024 when lawyers explained a political use license.
“He has continued to use the song because he’s legally entitled to do so because he took the time to apply for a political use license,” Willis wrote on Facebook. “I am not going to sue the President over his use of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ because it’s stupid and just plain hateful.”
The group performed “YMCA” live at Trump’s pre-Inauguration event in January 2025. The song is often played at Trump’s rallies.
“The financial benefits have been great. ‘YMCA’ is estimated to gross several million dollars since the President Elect’s continued use of the song,” Willis said in 2025.
“Therefore, I’m glad I allowed the President Elect’s continued use of YMCA. And I thank him for choosing to use my song.”
The Village People’s hit songs include “In the Navy” and “Go West.”