Former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences following the passing of Village People singer Victor Willis due to a sudden illness. Willis, known for his performance of the iconic song “YMCA” at Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in January last year, reportedly succumbed to the illness. Trump praised Willis as a “great and happy guy” and credited him for the resurgence of “YMCA” as a “monster hit” after their collaboration.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump fondly remembered Willis and the impact of “YMCA” at his rallies, acknowledging the singer’s support from the start. Trump highlighted the positive relationship between the group and his events, emphasizing their mutual admiration for each other.
The official statement from Village People confirmed the tragic news of Willis’ passing, requesting privacy during this difficult time. The band expressed deep sadness over the loss of their lead singer, reflecting on his contributions to their music and legacy.
Despite their collaboration, there was a previous legal dispute between the group and Trump over the use of “YMCA” during his 2020 re-election campaign. However, Trump continued to feature the song in subsequent events, including during his 2024 election campaign and around his 2025 inauguration.
Reflecting on the band’s legacy, Village People achieved international success with hits beyond “YMCA,” such as “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” and “Go West.” Willis himself had clarified his stance on endorsing Trump in the past, stating that neither he nor the Village People supported the former president, despite the popularity of their music across political lines.