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Iranians Do The ‘Trump Dance’ After He Takes Out Ayatollah Khamenei
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Iranians Do The ‘Trump Dance’ After He Takes Out Ayatollah Khamenei

In the aftermath of the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a wave of viral videos circulating online shows some Iranians celebrating in a surprising way—by performing President Donald Trump’s signature rally dance.

The clips, shared widely across social media platforms, show individuals and groups mimicking the rhythmic arm movements Trump often performs on stage at campaign rallies, typically to the Village People’s 1978 hit “YMCA.” The dance has become one of the president’s most recognizable cultural trademarks in recent years.


Several videos posted on X and other platforms show celebratory scenes ranging from small gatherings in homes to larger groups in public squares. In some footage, people are seen waving Iran’s pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag, the national emblem used before the Islamic Revolution that brought the current Islamic Republic to power.

One viral video shows an Iranian-born PhD candidate dancing in a living room while playing “YMCA,” celebrating what she described as a historic moment. In the accompanying post, she wrote that the death of Khamenei marked what she called “the best day of my life,” adding that the longtime Iranian leader had been responsible for decades of repression. The clip quickly spread online and reportedly amassed tens of millions of views.


Other posts show groups chanting “USA” while performing the dance in public spaces. The scenes have generated intense reactions online, particularly among commentators who see the celebrations as a sign of deep frustration among many Iranians toward the ruling clerical establishment.

For decades, Khamenei served as the most powerful figure in Iran’s political system, guiding the country through conflicts with Western nations, domestic unrest, and economic sanctions. His leadership shaped Iran’s regional policies and its relationship with the United States, making his reported death a major geopolitical event.


Online reactions have varied widely. Some users described the viral videos as a symbolic moment reflecting hopes for political change inside Iran. One commenter compared the emotional impact to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting the moment could represent a turning point in modern Iranian history.

Others characterized the clips as a unique cultural moment, noting the unusual blend of American pop music, political symbolism, and anti-regime sentiment. The imagery of Iranians performing the Trump dance to “YMCA” quickly became a trending topic across several platforms.


At the same time, coverage of Khamenei’s death has sparked debate in parts of the media. Critics have taken issue with the tone of some obituary-style reporting, arguing that headlines and descriptions in certain outlets portrayed the longtime Iranian leader in language more commonly reserved for traditional statesmen.

Written by Arthur Higgens - March 4, 2026