Donald Trump issued a message of condolences after it was announced Victor Willis, the frontman of the Village People, has died. Victor Willis, the frontman of 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74, the band’s official social media page has announced.
The Texas-born musician was the lead singer and co-writer of the band’s biggest hits including YMCA, Go West and In The Navy.The group rose to international fame in the 1970s, performing in costumes that portrayed stereotypical macho figures, with Willis notably appearing as both a policeman and a naval officer. He left the band in 1980 and later spent years engaged in a legal dispute over the copyrights to songs he had written. However, he rejoined the group in 2017 and went on to perform YMCA at President Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.
The US President paid a tribute to the singer on his TruthSocial and wrote: “Village People singer Victor Willis is dead at 74. He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies.
“It became a “monster” hit, again, 30 years after its original launch. Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set – The crowds were, and are, enormous – But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning!
“They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song. We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
His death was announced on the band’s official Facebook page.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People,” said the brief statement.
“Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”
