‘Trump Dance’ Goes Viral As Sports Stars Mimic President-Elect

President-elect Donald Trump may not have united the country politically, but his signature dance moves have taken the sports world by storm and united fans.

Throughout the political campaign and during his rallies, the president-elect often took to the stage and performed what is now being dubbed the “Trump Dance.” Politico described Trump’s dancing, where he often shakes his hips from side to side while swinging his arms rhythmically, as “think: your awkward uncle dancing at a wedding after quaffing Aperol spritz from the free bar.”

And yet, the truly awkward dance moves are being copied by high-profile athletes—and the videos are now going viral on social media.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is credited with starting the trend more than a week ago after he celebrated in a game against Tampa Bay on November 10.

UFC cage fighter Jon Jones performed the moves this past Saturday following his victory. And on Sunday, the “Trump Dance” hit the gridiron as the NFL players mimicked the moves. Detroit Lions defenseman Za’Darius Smith led several teammates in a victory dance, while Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley each made the moves after respective touchdowns.

Beyond The UFC And NFL

The Trump Dance has even spread to other sports, as U.S. soccer star Christian Pulisic stopped to swing his arms in a Trump-like fashion after scoring a goal against Jamaica on Monday. The moves aren’t just for Americans either, as British golfer Charley Hull, who has gained attention for her on-course antics including smoking while signing autographs, was spotted doing Trump’s signature moves during The ANNIKA over the weekend.

Is this a sign of universal support for Trump?

“Although the ‘Trump Dance’ went viral on social media with NFL players and LPGA Tour star Charley Hull, it is too soon to draw conclusions from these actions,” said technology industry analyst and social media pundit Susan Schreiner of C4 Trends.

“The reactions at several more games or instances need to be observed to determine whether it is his supporters openly expressing themselves, others mocking him, or a sign of the country coming together,” added Schreiner.

Sports And Victory Dances

It is also important to remember that the Trump Dance is just the latest in a long series of victory dances and celebration moves that athletes have likely executed for eons. These tend to be a sign of the time but can also be cultural—such as New Zealand’s athletes performing the “haka” dances of the Māori people to challenge opponents and to celebrate a victory.

Some of the dances are far more memorable than others.

For the 2017-2018 season, the NFL compiled the best moves in honor of “National Dance Day,” while in 2014 the Bleacher Report ranked the “Best All-Time Celebration Dances.”

If the NFL opts to publish a greatest dance update this season, the “Trump Dance” can certainly be expected to be a part of it—but it is just the latest in a long list of fads that have quickly faded. However, there is no denying that Trump is having his moment, and the Trump Dance is catching on with athletes and fans.

“Trump’s dance steps are seeping into some segments of popular culture,” said Scott R. Talan, assistant professor in the School of Communication at American University.

“This should not surprise as his rise was based on a reality show and he won a historic race. People like winners. Trump won,” Talan explained. “People now dance the Trump-two-step.”