The Village People, a band known for its inclusive music, will perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration. This move comes after years of criticism from the group and some members over Trump’s use of their song “Y.M.C.A.” in his rallies and events.
In 2020, CNN’s Don Lemon criticized Trump’s use of the song, saying it was a middle finger to the band. However, the Village People had initially expressed concerns about using their music for political purposes. But after a change of heart from some members, including Victor Willis, who claimed that the president-elect’s continued use of “Y.M.C.A.” has generated significant revenue.
Willis stated that allowing Trump to use the song has been financially beneficial, and he has no regrets about it now. The band’s decision to perform at the inauguration is seen as a nod to their music being an inclusive anthem that can bring people together.
Trump has long been a fan of the Village People and their song, often playing it in his rallies and events. However, this move raises questions about the band’s initial stance on using their music for political purposes. Despite this, the Village People are set to perform at Trump’s inauguration, a surreal moment that highlights how much resistance some people can withstand over time.
The performance marks a stark change from 2021, when the band criticized Trump’s use of their song after he made remarks at a Maryland Army base ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration. This latest move is seen as evidence of how much the president-elect can wear down someone’s resistance over time.
Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/donald-trump-ymca-village-people-history-inauguration-performance