You’ve probably seen it by now. A player scores a touchdown or lands a massive sack, and instead of the usual Griddy or backflip, they start doing that rhythmic, double-fist pump—the one Donald Trump made famous at his rallies. It’s everywhere. From the NFL to the UFC and even international soccer pitches, the "Trump Dance" has become the viral celebration of the moment.
But as the trend exploded, so did the rumors. Social media was suddenly on fire with claims that the league was moving to shut it down. People started asking: Is the NFL banning the Trump dance?
Honestly, the answer is a lot simpler than the internet makes it out to be.
The League’s Official Stance on the Trump Dance
Let’s cut through the noise. The NFL is not banning the dance. In fact, league spokesman Brian McCarthy was incredibly direct about it. He told multiple outlets, including Front Office Sports and the Associated Press, that the league has "no issue" with the celebration.
Basically, as long as a dance isn't sexually suggestive, violent, or overly offensive, the NFL generally stays out of it. They’ve spent years trying to shed the "No Fun League" reputation by loosening celebration rules. Backtracking now because of a political association would be a massive headache they don't want.
Why the Confusion Happened
So, where did the "ban" rumor come from? It mostly stems from the fact that the NFL did hand out a significant fine to one of its biggest stars, Nick Bosa, right around the time the dance started going viral.
Bosa was fined $11,255. But here’s the kicker: it wasn't for the dance.
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He was fined for wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat during a post-game interview. The NFL rulebook is very specific about "personal messages" on apparel. You can't wear hats or T-shirts with political or personal branding while you're on the clock (game day). Bosa broke the uniform policy, not the "don't-dance-like-a-politician" policy.
Who is Actually Doing the Dance?
It started as a trickle and turned into a flood. Nick Bosa was the catalyst, breaking it out after a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he wasn't alone for long.
- Brock Bowers: The Raiders rookie tight end did the shimmy after a 23-yard touchdown. He later admitted he saw Jon Jones do it in the UFC and just thought it was "cool."
- Za'Darius Smith & Malcolm Rodriguez: The Lions duo celebrated a sack against the Jaguars with a synchronized version.
- Calvin Ridley: The Titans wideout joined the club after a score against the Vikings.
It’s not just a "pro-Trump" thing for every player, either. For some, it’s just the meme of the week. In the locker room, these trends catch fire regardless of the underlying politics. If it's trending on TikTok or being done by a heavyweight champ like Jon Jones, NFL players are going to copy it.
The Fine Line Between "Celebration" and "Political Statement"
The NFL is in a weird spot. They want to be an apolitical entertainment product, but they also employ hundreds of people with very loud, very public opinions.
There is a massive difference in the league's eyes between gestures and apparel.
If a player wears a shirt that says "Vote for [Candidate]," they’re getting a letter from the league office and a hit to their bank account. That’s a violation of the uniform code. But a dance? That falls under "creative expression." Unless you’re simulating a weapon—which the NFL is cracking down on in 2025 and 2026—you’re usually in the clear.
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The league also clarified that they aren't telling networks like CBS, FOX, or ESPN to cut away from the dance. Brian McCarthy mentioned that it’s entirely up to the broadcasters how they cover it. If a director wants to show it, they show it.
Comparisons to Previous "Bans"
People love to bring up Colin Kaepernick when this topic surfaces. There’s a lot of "well, they stopped him from kneeling, so why is this okay?" talk.
From a purely technical standpoint, the NFL never actually had a rule against kneeling during the anthem until the 2018 policy change (which was later put on hold). The "Trump Dance" hasn't reached a level where it’s delaying games or causing a multi-year national standoff with the front office. For now, it’s just another celebration in the same category as the "Dirty Bird" or the "Icky Shuffle."
What’s Changing in 2026?
While the Trump dance is safe, the NFL is tightening the screws on other types of celebrations. Heading into the 2025-2026 seasons, the league office has made "sportsmanship" a major point of emphasis.
They are specifically targeting:
- Violent Gestures: Simulating shooting a gun, brandishing a weapon, or the "throat slash."
- Guns and Gang Signs: The "nose wipe" gesture was recently added to the prohibited list.
- Sexually Suggestive Acts: Anything that would make a FCC regulator sweat.
The Trump dance doesn't fit into any of those buckets. It’s two fists moving back and forth. It’s "goofy," as some commentators have called it, but it’s not violent.
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The Reality of the Situation
The NFL is a business. They know that half their audience might love the dance and the other half might roll their eyes. Their strategy? Stay out of the crossfire. By saying "it's not an issue," they effectively kill the story. If they were to ban it, they’d create a weeks-long news cycle about censorship and bias that would alienate millions of fans.
It's also worth noting that these trends usually have a shelf life. Remember the "dab"? Or the "Mannequin Challenge"? Most of these celebrations disappear after a season or two. The league is likely betting that by the time next season kicks off, the players will have found something else to do in the end zone.
What You Should Know
If you’re worried about your favorite player getting flagged for a shimmy, don't be. Unless they pull a MAGA hat out of their sock or start mimicking a shootout, the refs are going to keep their flags in their pockets.
The NFL is much more concerned about game flow and "family-friendly" content than they are about a dance move that mimics a politician.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Uniforms: If you see a player get fined, check what they were wearing, not what they were doing. The uniform policy is where the real "bans" live.
- Monitor the 2026 Rulebook: Keep an eye on the "Points of Emphasis" videos the NFL releases. These are the best indicators of what will actually draw a penalty flag during the season.
- Distinguish Between Networks: Since the NFL isn't mandating coverage, you'll see different levels of "Trump Dance" highlights depending on whether you're watching a local broadcast or a national post-game show.