Trump Mourns Village People's Victor Willis, Cites 'YMCA' Rally Success

Former U.S. President Donald Trump mourned the passing of Victor Willis, the original lead singer and a co-writer of iconic hits for the disco group Village People. Willis, known for his role as the "cop" in the group's distinctive characters, died on June 30 at the age of 74 following a short illness.

Trump shared his condolences on his social media platform, Truth Social, recalling Willis as a "great and happy guy" who "loved" that Trump used the Village People's song "YMCA" at his rallies. The former president attributed the song's resurgence in popularity, three decades after its original release, to its prominent use during his campaign events.

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He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used the group's song 'YMCA' in my rallies. It became a smash hit, again, 30 years after its original release.

"We will think of Victor every time 'YMCA' plays, like today, and all through this Fourth of July week," Trump wrote, extending his sympathies to Willis's family and bandmates. He emphasized the song's renewed success, stating it became a "smash hit, again, 30 years after its original release."

Willis was a foundational member of Village People, formed in 1977 by French producer Jacques Morali. Born in Texas, Willis began his singing career in his father's church choir before honing his craft in New York. He was discovered in a musical production and soon joined the group, co-writing global successes such as "YMCA," "In the Navy," "Macho Man," and "Go West." After a brief solo career, Willis returned to Village People in 2017 as the lead singer.

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We will think of Victor every time 'YMCA' plays, like today, and all through this Fourth of July week. My condolences to his wonderful family and his group. We will miss Victor Willis very much.