A viral dance move inspired by Donald Trump’s signature on-stage boogie has become the latest sporting celebration craze sweeping across the United States. The move, a fist-pumping shuffle reminiscent of the former president’s dance style, has been adopted by athletes from the UFC to the NFL, and even the LPGA Tour.
On Monday, US soccer star Christian Pulisic joined the trend after scoring in his team’s 4-2 victory over Jamaica. Pulisic and his teammates rushed to the sidelines, mimicking the now-iconic Trump dance after the opening goal. Pulisic’s performance was just one of many examples of athletes taking up the quirky celebration, which has recently made waves in various sports.
One of the most prominent moments came this past Saturday at Madison Square Garden, when UFC fighter Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic. With Trump seated ringside, Jones celebrated by performing the Trump-inspired hip-swinging dance, even presenting the former president with his championship belt afterward.
The dance craze has also been seen across the NFL. San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa, who earlier made headlines for wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap, celebrated a sack with the same dance following the team’s victory on November 10. “All the guys wanted me to do it,” Bosa said, admitting that he was encouraged by his teammates.
Pulisic scores. Pulisic does the Trump dance. We’re winning the World Cup…bigly. 🇺🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/rXy3Z7UXpK
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) November 19, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers also joined the dance party, breaking out the move after scoring a touchdown during a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Bowers cited UFC’s Jon Jones as his inspiration for the celebration, adding, “I watched the UFC fight last night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC, so I thought it was cool.”
The Trump dance even made its way into the world of women’s golf. England’s Charley Hull was seen jokingly performing the dance while walking down the fairway during a final round duel with Nelly Korda at the Annika tournament in Florida.
The trend has not gone unnoticed by US media, with former international soccer player and pundit Alexi Lalas expressing his excitement over Pulisic’s celebration, tweeting, “Pulisic scores. Pulisic does the Trump dance. We’re winning the World Cup… bigly.”
From soccer to MMA, and even golf, the Trump-inspired dance has become a ubiquitous symbol of celebration in American sports culture, with athletes showing their playful side by embracing this viral move.