President Donald Trump concluded his visit to Saudi Arabia on May 13 with an unexpected musical backdrop—The Village People’s iconic song “YMCA.” The tune, often used to close Trump’s U.S. campaign rallies, played during a photo op with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This moment, though routine for Trump events, drew attention due to its setting. “YMCA” is widely considered an LGBTQ+ anthem in the United States, while Saudi Arabia maintains strict laws against homosexuality under its interpretation of Sharia law. Human Rights Watch has reported regular arrests in the kingdom based on gender expression.
Trump’s trip marked his first foreign visit in his second term, diverging from presidential tradition by prioritizing the Middle East over neighboring nations like Mexico or Canada. This is his second time visiting the region as president, following a similar trip in 2017. His itinerary includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Clips of Trump and the Crown Prince shaking hands as the disco song played have gone viral on social media, with commentators highlighting the cultural dissonance. Far-right figure Laura Loomer remarked on X, “YMCA in Saudi Arabia. What a timeline we live in.”