Former President Donald Trump has disclosed a private marital disagreement over his now-famous campaign trail behaviour, revealing that his wife, Melania Trump, is no fan of his energetic dance routines.
A 'Very Classy' Wife's Disapproval
During a closed-door meeting with House Republicans at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Trump shared that his "very classy" wife strongly disapproves of his signature moves to The Village People's "YMCA." The former president, who frequently breaks into the dance at rallies and public events, recounted Melania's blunt assessment: It's "not presidential."
Trump, grinning as he relayed the story, pushed back against his wife's critique. "Everybody wants me to dance," he insisted he told her. He described how the crowds at his events enthusiastically encourage the performance.
Historical Comparisons and a Persistent Debate
The disagreement took a historical turn. According to Trump, Melania posed a pointed rhetorical question: "Could you imagine FDR dancing?"—a reference to the revered former President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Trump said he countered by suggesting there was context she was missing, noting that Roosevelt, who used a wheelchair after contracting polio, "wouldn't be doing this." However, his argument failed to sway the former first lady's opinion.
Melania Trump remained unconvinced, offering a different interpretation of the crowd's reaction. "She said, 'They don't like it, they're just being nice to you,'" Trump recalled. He vehemently disagreed with that characterization, stating, "I said, 'That's not right. The place goes crazy. They're screaming, 'Dance!''"
Dance as a Political Tool
This personal revelation comes in the context of Trump's use of physicality in his political messaging. The "YMCA" dance has become a staple of his public appearances, often serving as a moment of crowd engagement. Furthermore, Trump has also used weightlifter impressions during speeches to criticize transgender athletes in women's sports, another mannerism reportedly disliked by Melania.
The exchange highlights the intersection of personal image, public performance, and presidential perception in modern political campaigns. While Trump views the dance as a successful tool for connecting with his base, his wife appears to hold a more traditional view of presidential decorum.
