Donald Trump has paid an emotional tribute to Village People frontman Victor Willis following the disco legend's death, praising the singer for allowing Y.M.C.A. to become synonymous with his political rallies.
The US President shared a lengthy message on Truth Social after Mr Willis died following a brief but aggressive illness at the age of 75.
Mr Trump described the founding Village People member as "a great and happy guy" and reflected on the close association between the band's biggest hit and his political movement.
"Village People singer Victor Willis is dead at 74. He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his group's song, YMCA, at my Rallies," he wrote.
He credited the song with enjoying a remarkable resurgence decades after its original release.
"It became a 'monster' hit, again, 30 years after its original launch," he continued.
The US President also claimed the popularity of Y.M.C.A. at his rallies encouraged other artists to allow their music to be played at campaign events.
"Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set," he wrote.
"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."
The President concluded by offering his condolences to Mr Willis's family and saying: "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!!!"
The Village People star had enjoyed renewed prominence in recent years after Y.M.C.A. became a fixture at Trump's rallies and public appearances.
The relationship between the singer and the President marked a significant shift from previous years.
Village People had previously issued a cease-and-desist request asking Trump not to use Y.M.C.A. at campaign events.
However, Mr Willis later defended the decision to allow the song's continued use, insisting music should remain non-political and saying he hoped it could help "bring the country together".
That relationship culminated in January 2025, when Village People performed Y.M.C.A. live at Trump's pre-inauguration victory rally at Washington's Capital One Arena before also appearing at the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
The performance saw Trump perform his now-famous dance moves alongside the group, cementing Y.M.C.A. as the signature anthem of his political movement.
Despite co-writer Jacques Morali being openly gay, the performer maintained the song was inspired by urban youth sports facilities and San Francisco slang rather than LGBTQ+ culture.
His death was confirmed by both his wife and Village People's official social media accounts, with the family requesting privacy as tributes continue to pour in from fans and fellow musicians around the world.
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