Back in 2014, the internet was a different place. Your Facebook feed wasn't just political arguments or targeted ads; it was a non-stop parade of people dumping freezing water on their heads. It was the summer of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago. But one video from that era still gets people talking. It features a pre-presidency Donald Trump standing on a very windy roof.
He wasn't in a suit for once. Well, mostly. He had the white shirt and the red tie, but the jacket was off. He looked directly into the camera with that familiar squint. "I’ve been called out by everybody," he said. He listed the names like a roster of 80s and 90s icons: Mike Tyson, Vince McMahon, and—weirdly enough—Homer Simpson.
Yes, a cartoon character nominated the future 45th President of the United States.
The Trump Tower Drenching
Location matters in the world of branding. For Trump, that meant the roof of Trump Tower in New York City. He wasn't alone, though. He was flanked by the then-reigning Miss Universe, Gabriela Isler, and Miss USA, Nia Sanchez.
It was a total spectacle.
Before the water hit, Trump did something very... Trump. He used the moment to address a long-standing rumor. He looked at the camera and basically said the world wanted to see if it was his "real hair."
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Then came the water.
The two pageant winners hoisted two large blue buckets. They didn't hold back. They dumped the ice-cold water—reportedly Trump-branded water, because of course—directly over his head.
He didn't flinch as much as you'd expect. He took it, smoothed back his hair (which, for the record, stayed firmly attached), and then issued his own challenges. He called out his sons, Don Jr. and Eric, and then, in a move that felt very 2014, he challenged Barack Obama.
Why the Donald Trump Ice Bucket Challenge Still Gets Googled
You might wonder why people are still searching for this. It isn't just about the water. It’s a time capsule.
In 2014, Trump was a reality TV star and a real estate mogul. He was "The Donald." The video captures a specific type of celebrity culture that doesn't really exist in the same way anymore. It was a moment of levity before the 2016 campaign cycle changed the temperature of the country's discourse forever.
There's also the "hair" factor. People have been obsessed with Trump's hair for decades. Seeing it completely soaked and still structurally sound was, for many, the most interesting part of the whole clip. It was the ultimate stress test for his stylist.
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But let's look at the bigger picture.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge wasn't just a meme. It was a massive fundraising engine. By the end of that summer, the ALS Association had raised over $115 million. Worldwide, that number climbed past $220 million.
Where the Money Actually Went
A lot of people think viral trends are just vanity projects. With the ice bucket stuff, that wasn't the case. The funds raised during that period led to legitimate medical breakthroughs.
- Research: About 67% of the funds went directly into research.
- Gene Discovery: Scientists identified the NEK1 gene as a contributor to ALS, a discovery directly linked to this funding.
- Patient Services: Millions went to local chapters to provide equipment like wheelchairs and communication devices for those living with the disease.
The Feud With Marty Walsh
Not everyone loved Trump's involvement, or at least his attitude about it later. In 2015, as Trump was ramping up his presidential run, the Ice Bucket Challenge came up again.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh did the challenge and nominated Trump. Instead of a "part two" video, Trump fired back in the media. He called Walsh a "clown" and told him to "get a real mayor."
It was a sharp pivot from the playful video on the roof a year earlier. It signaled the end of the "fun celebrity" era and the start of the "combative politician" era.
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Setting the Record Straight
There are a few misconceptions floating around about this video.
First, some people think he did it in a full tuxedo. He didn't. He was in his "casual" business attire. Second, there's a persistent rumor that he didn't actually use ice. If you watch the high-def clips, you can see the cubes hitting the pavement. It was definitely cold.
Lastly, there's the question of whether he donated. While he didn't publicly flash a check in the video, the challenge usually meant you either dumped the water or donated—though most celebrities did both for the PR.
What You Can Do Now
If you're looking back at this video and feeling nostalgic, or if it just reminded you that ALS is still a devastating disease with no cure, there are a few ways to turn that curiosity into action.
- Watch the original clip: It’s still on YouTube. It’s a weirdly fascinating minute of pop culture history.
- Look up the ALS Association: They have updated reports on how the "Ice Bucket" money is still being used for clinical trials in 2026.
- Support a local chapter: If you want to help, you don't need to dump water on your head. Direct donations to patient services make a huge difference for families dealing with the reality of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The video remains a bizarre intersection of pageantry, branding, and legitimate philanthropy. It’s a reminder that even the most polarized figures can be part of a moment that actually moves the needle for a good cause.