President Donald Trump has paid tribute to Victor Willis, the frontman of the Village People, following the singer's death from a sudden illness at the age of 74. Willis, who performed with the disco band at several events for Trump's inauguration in January 2025, died on Monday, June 30, 2026, after a 'short but aggressive illness,' according to a statement from his family.
Trump Hails Willis as 'Great and Happy Guy'
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Willis as a 'great and happy guy' and expressed gratitude for the singer's support in allowing YMCA to be used at MAGA rallies. The President claimed that the use of the song helped it become a 'monster hit' again, 30 years after its original release. '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!' Trump wrote.
Trump added: '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!!!'
YMCA's Journey from Gay Anthem to Political Symbol
With the Village People, Willis achieved two UK top 10 singles, including YMCA, which has become a gay anthem despite the singer's 2024 claim that it was not the song's intention, and the number two single 'In The Navy.' When Trump first used YMCA in his 2020 re-election campaign, which he lost to Joe Biden, the group initially issued a cease and desist letter. However, Trump used the song again in his successful 2024 campaign, culminating in performances by the band at events surrounding his 2025 inauguration.
Despite the performances, former Village People member Jim Newman stated on Instagram that the original band 'would never ever' perform at a Trump rally. In 2020, Willis himself told the BBC that his band did not endorse Trump, saying: 'I like hearing music at all times and I like the fact that fans of all kinds, Democrats or Republicans, they all like YMCA and that is something that is pleasing to me. As far as endorsing Trump, I don't endorse Trump, I've never endorsed Trump, nor has Village People. We have even asked him basically to stop even playing our music at his rallies.'
Willis's Legacy and the Village People
Victor Willis was known for his roles as a police officer, admiral, and athlete in the Village People's performances, thanks to their iconic fancy-dress costumes. The band also had hits with 'Go West' and 'Can't Stop The Music,' and released two UK hit albums. They appeared in the 1980 American comedy film 'Can't Stop The Music,' a pseudo-biography of the group. The statement from Willis's family requested privacy as they mourn his loss.
