NEW DELHI: A viral video shared on social media has captured U.S. President Donald Trump participating in the popular Ice Bucket Challenge back in 2014, amusing viewers and sparking waves of nostalgia. The video, posted by the Twitter account @DefiantWorld, shows Trump braving the challenge, a viral trend where individuals have cold water dumped over them to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Trump doing the “Ice Bucket Challenge” back in 2014 😂 pic.twitter.com/f7rSAdUaqe
— Defiant World (@DefiantWorld) November 19, 2024
In the video, Trump is seen standing in front of a crowd, preparing for the cold-water dump. His signature expression remains unflinching as the ice-cold water splashes over his head. The lighthearted moment, which was part of a broader 2014 charity campaign, contrasts with the often intense political and public persona that Trump later cultivated during his presidential campaigns.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was a major viral sensation in 2014, with celebrities and ordinary people alike sharing videos of themselves being drenched in freezing water to raise awareness for ALS. The challenge was credited with helping to significantly boost donations to ALS research, with millions of dollars raised globally.
Trump’s participation in the challenge was widely seen as a fun moment, but the resurfacing of the video in 2024 has drawn significant attention, especially given the current political climate. Social media users have reacted with a mix of amusement and curiosity, with some noting how the former president’s demeanour in the video starkly contrasts with the often polarizing figure he has become.
The video, which has quickly gone viral, has become a talking point among netizens. Some Twitter users have shared their amusement at seeing Trump engage in such a lighthearted activity, while others have used the moment to reflect on the cultural impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge and its connection to charitable efforts.