Love him or hate him, you cannot ignore him. Donald Trump is a master of the spectacle, and this week was no exception. In the wake of a serious incident involving commentator Charlie Kirk, the former President found himself, yet again, at the center of a viral storm—this time for dancing to the Village People's "YMCA" at a public event.
The internet, as it always does, exploded. Critics called it tone-deaf. Supporters saw it as a defiant celebration of American spirit. The truth, as usual, probably lies somewhere in the messy middle.
But let's zoom out for a second. The "controversy" over the dance moves is almost too perfectly symbolic of the modern political era. We are no longer in a time where politicians are solely judged on policy papers or legislative achievements. They are judged on their vibe, their meme-ability, and their ability to command a narrative in a 15-second video clip.
Trump understands this digital arena better than any of his peers. He knows that a few seconds of him clapping and dancing to a nostalgic tune will generate more engagement, more conversation, and more fervent support from his base than any carefully crafted speech ever could. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s ridiculously shareable. He’s not just a politician; he’s a content creator.
This was juxtaposed with his solemn appearance at Yankee Stadium to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11—a reminder of the dualities he constantly presents. The serious statesman one moment, the populist entertainer the next.
The real story here isn't about the dance itself. It's about what we choose to pay attention to. In a single news cycle, we witnessed a potential security threat, a somber memorial, and a viral dance video, all orbiting the same individual. It’s a circus, but it’s the circus we’re all buying tickets to.
The lesson for everyone else? In 2025, perception is everything. The narrative is everything. And sometimes, all it takes is the right song at the right time to own the news cycle.
