President-elect Donald Trump converses with Elon Musk (right) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. – Reuters
While not as endearing as Roger Milla's hip-wiggling dance at the 1990 World Cup or as commanding as Usain Bolt's lightning pose, a dance inspired by Donald Trump's awkward on-stage moves has swiftly become a popular celebration across the US sports scene. From the intense Ultimate Fighting Championship to the robust National Football League and even the refined LPGA Tour golf, athletes throughout North America have embraced the viral Trump dance trend in recent days.
On Monday, US soccer star Christian Pulisic joined the trend, rushing to the sideline with teammates to mimic the President-elect's signature fist-pumping shuffle after scoring his team's opening goal in a 4-2 victory over Jamaica. Another notable instance occurred at Madison Square Garden on Saturday when mixed martial arts fighter Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic. With Trump seated ringside, Jones promptly performed a recognizable hip-swinging version of the Republican leader's dance before presenting Trump with his heavyweight belt.
Numerous other examples have emerged across the NFL and college football. San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa, who faced criticism for wearing a 'Make America Great Again' cap during a postgame interview just before the US election, was one of the first NFL players to adopt the dance after sacking an opponent on November 10. 'All the guys wanted me to do it,' Bosa told the San Francisco Chronicle. 'I wasn't even going to do it, but the boys reminded me. And it was fun.' Bosa remained evasive when asked about the inspiration behind his dance, stating, 'I think you know the answer to that question.'
During the latest NFL Sunday, several players incorporated the celebration. Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers executed the Trump moves after scoring a touchdown in his team's loss to the Miami Dolphins. Bowers attributed his move to UFC fighter Jones' celebration the previous night. 'I've seen everyone do it,' Bowers said. 'I watched the UFC fight last night and Jon Jones did it. I like watching UFC so I saw it and thought it was cool.' US media reports indicated that Raiders team officials abruptly ended Bowers' availability following his comments.
Meanwhile, in Florida on Sunday, the Trump dance even infiltrated women's golf. England's Charley Hull humorously performed the move as she walked down the fairway during her final round match with Nelly Korda at the Annika tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Former US international soccer player and TV analyst Alexi Lalas expressed his joy after Pulisic joined the trend, writing on X, 'Pulisic scores. Pulisic does the Trump dance. We're winning the World Cup...bigly.'
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