A peculiar trend in dance steps linked to the president-elect, Donald Trump, is presently grabbing the headlines in the world of sports and on various social media platforms. A spree of video content featuring UFC combatants, pro football players, and NFL stalwarts replicating Trump’s special steps, encompassing air fist bumps and his hallmark golf swing, have been spreading like wildfire on the internet, post his victory against Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential elections of 2024. A prominent feature among the latest wave of sportspeople copying these steps is the rookie of Las Vegas Raiders, Brock Bowers, who deployed the dance while reveling in his touchdown on Sunday in the course of their match against the Miami Dolphins. But, what is the root of this Trump dance, and when did it originate?
This recent fascination among athletes, ranging from college football competitors and acclaimed UFC fighter, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, to NFL celebrities, with duplicating these steps has been responsible for transforming their remarkable sporting feats into internet sensations. Featuring a fist thrust into the air and an imitation of Trump’s golf swing, these new dance moves are causing quite a stir. The sportsman who kindled this nationwide trend is none other than Nick Bosa, a former player from Ohio State Buckeyes, now adorned in San Francisco 49ers’ colors, showcased the dance alongside his colleagues during their match against Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The triumphant execution of the dance by Bosa fetched him recognition straight from the president-elect himself, making it noteworthy. Other sports names that have caught attention for mastering these steps comprise of Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, a UFC heavyweight champion, the red-hot Brock Bowers of Las Vegas Raiders, Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez, both associated with the Detroit Lions , Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, both wide receivers for the Tennessee Titans, and Christian Pulsic, a key figure in U.S. men’s soccer.
The list of athletes participating in this trend doesn’t stop here. It also includes West Virginia Mountaineers’ star quarterback, Nicco Marchiol, wide receiver for the Drake Bulldogs, Trey Radocha, Tristen Tewes, a tight end for Northern Illinois Huskies, Michael Taaffee, a defensive back from Texas Longhorns, and the pivotal quarterback Katin Houser from East Carolina Pirates.
Trump, currently in his late 70s, has always been imprinted in the minds of Americans through his significant influence on pop culture, throughout his existence. Hence, the trend of replicating his dance has exploded on social media, as athletes use it as a symbol of their victories. Yet, regardless of the polarized views in American political society, NFL has made it clear that there will be no penalties for performing the dance as it isn’t taken as a partisan statement.
If you’re wondering how to pull off the Trump dance, then follow the steps – start by bending your elbows, clench your fists and swing your arms back and forth. The magic adds in once you complement the moves with a bit of head tilting and expressive facial gestures.
The upcoming Inauguration Day – due for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 – marks the day when Trump, alongside the Vice President-elect JD Vance, will take the oath in the U.S. Capitol building situated in Washington, D.C. It will be intriguing to observe where this dancing trend heads on as we cross into Trump’s tenure.