The Chinese government concluded Thursday's state banquet for President Donald Trump with a rendition of the Village People's 'YMCA', one of the president's signature campaign songs. The dinner, attended by Trump, President Xi Jinping, and senior officials from both nations, featured a musical programme that included 'We Are the World' and 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight', but ended with the tune Trump often dances to at rallies.
A White House official confirmed to The Independent that 'YMCA' was part of the programme. Other countries have played the song for Trump during overseas visits; South Korea's military band performed it when he visited in October. Trump began using the song to close his campaign rallies during the 2020 election, performing his characteristic dance—rocking his hips and punching the air.
The song and dance have become a staple of Trump's events. Last May, he ended his address at a US-Saudi investment forum with 'YMCA', despite Saudi Arabia's strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws. He also danced to it after addressing US troops in Japan last year. The Village People have performed the song live at Trump's inaugural ball in January 2025 and at the FIFA World Cup draw in December.
China's inclusion of 'YMCA' was part of efforts to strengthen US-China relations. During the banquet, Xi toasted Trump, saying China's rejuvenation and Trump's 'Make America Great Again' agenda go hand in hand, according to a New York Times translation. Trump thanked Xi for a 'magnificent welcome' and invited him to visit the White House in September.
