Donald Trump says Village People star 'will be sorely missed' after death

Donald Trump breaks silence after death of Village People star - 'He was there for us' Donald Trump described Victor Willis as a 'great and happy guy' as he paid tribute to the Village People singer, who performed YMCA at his pre-inauguration rally Donald Trump has paid tribute to Village People singer Victor Willis after the YMCA star died from an "aggressive illness" on Monday. The singer, who performed YMCA at the US president's pre-inauguration rally in January last year, passed away from a "short but aggressive illness," the band's official social media page said. Trump described Willis as a "great and happy guy" as he claimed YMCA became a "monster hit" again 30 years after its release following a performance at his rally. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said: "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!!!" A statement shared on Village People's official social media page read: "We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested." Trump began using YMCA during his 2020 re-election campaign, which he lost to former US president Joe Biden. The group initially issued a cease and desist letter. But the president later began using the song again during his 2024 election campaign, as well as during events around his 2025 inauguration. This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.