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What is the 'Trump Dance'? Athletes embrace moves in viral celebrations

By Chris Williams
Published  November 18, 2024 1:28pm MST
Donald J. Trump
FOX TV Stations

UFC heavyweight champion goes viral for Trump Dance in New York

President-elect Donald Trump was warmly welcomed by UFC fighter Jon Jones at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 16.

The Brief 

    • Athletes are embracing the "Trump Dance," inspired by Trump's campaign moves.
    • UFC’s Jon Jones started the trend, joined by NFL players and LPGA’s Charley Hull.
    • The dance seems to show support for Trump, not mock him.

There's a new growing trend of athletes performing the "Trump Dance" after scoring points or a win. 

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon Jones performed it over the weekend and quickly caught on to other athletes, most notably in the NFL. Jones performed the moves after defeating Stipe Miocic by technical knockout.

"A big, big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight," Jones said, which sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.

What is the ‘Trump Dance’?

The "Trump Dance" stems from awkward dance moves former President Donald Trump performed during his presidential campaign. 

RELATED: Trump attends UFC 309 at MSG alongside his cabinet picks, celebs

Athletes seem to dance in support of Trump rather than mocking him. 

President-elect Donald Trump dances during a town hall event with US Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, on September 27, 2024. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP) (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

Athletes performing the ‘Trump Dance’

When Jones performed the "Trump Dance" over the weekend at New York’s Madison Square Garden, the video went viral. 

He then pointed to Trump seated ringside at Madison Square Garden and gave him a thumbs-up.

Also over the weekend, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley and Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith followed Nick Bosa’s lead and celebrated big plays on Sunday with dance moves inspired by President-elect Donald Trump.

RELATED: List of Trump's cabinet picks, what seats are open

"I’ve seen everyone do it," Bowers told USA Today following the game. "I watched the UFC fight (Saturday) night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC so I saw it, and thought it was cool."

LPGA Tour star Charley Hull appeared to perform the "Trump Dance" during The Annika.

The Source

  • The Associated Press, FOX News, and Storyful contributed to this report. The information was based on previous campaign rallies held by President-elect Donald Trump. This story was reported from Los Angeles.