In a striking display of technological prowess, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, recently shared a captivating video on the social media platform X, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. The video, which quickly garnered widespread attention, features Optimus executing a complex dance routine that bears a striking resemblance to the signature moves of former U.S. President Donald Trump, performed during his election campaign rallies. This latest demonstration underscores Tesla’s ongoing advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, while also sparking lively discussions online about the robot’s abilities and the authenticity of the performance.

The video, posted by Musk on May 13, 2025, has amassed over 42 million views in less than a day, reflecting the public’s fascination with Tesla’s cutting-edge technology. In the footage, Optimus demonstrates an impressive ability to maintain balance while performing intricate dance movements, captivating viewers with its fluid motions. The dance, reminiscent of Trump’s well-known campaign rally performances, has prompted a mix of excitement, skepticism, and amusement among online audiences. Musk, known for his bold claims and ambitious vision, accompanied the video with enthusiastic remarks, stating that Optimus performed the dance in front of President Trump and other dignitaries, including a high-profile figure referred to as “His Highness,” during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

Musk’s comments on X further highlighted the significance of the event, noting, “We just showed our Tesla Optimus robots to His Highness and President Trump. I think they were very impressed. One of our robots did the Trump dance, which I thought was pretty cool. So, yeah, robots can dance, they can walk around, they can interact.” This statement, echoed across various posts on X, reflects Musk’s confidence in Optimus’s capabilities and its potential to redefine human-robot interactions. The event marks a notable moment in Tesla’s journey to develop humanoid robots that can perform a wide range of tasks, from mundane chores to complex physical activities.

The dance routine, which some have likened to Trump’s energetic swaying to the tune of “YMCA” by the Village People, has sparked a variety of reactions online. Many viewers expressed awe at Optimus’s ability to replicate human-like movements, with comments praising Tesla’s advancements in robotics. One X user remarked, “Love it. Tesla Optimus just did the Trump dance or the YMCA. Our robots can walk, interact with people, and dance.” Others, however, questioned the authenticity of the performance, speculating that the video might have been edited, sped up, or even generated by artificial intelligence. Some skeptics suggested that the robot’s movements were too smooth to be fully autonomous, raising doubts about whether Optimus was controlled remotely.

Addressing these concerns, Musk was quick to clarify that the video was genuine, emphasizing, “Video thật, cảnh thật” (Vietnamese for “real video, real scene”). This response aimed to quell doubts and reaffirm Tesla’s commitment to transparency in showcasing Optimus’s capabilities. While the dance routine may have drawn inspiration from Trump’s campaign performances, Musk acknowledged that the resemblance was not exact, adding a layer of intrigue to the public’s perception of the event. The video’s release coincided with Musk’s trip to Saudi Arabia, where he reportedly presented Optimus’s abilities to an audience that included prominent figures, further elevating the robot’s profile on the global stage.

Optimus, first introduced by Tesla at its AI Day event in 2021, represents a cornerstone of the company’s vision to integrate advanced robotics into everyday life. Standing at approximately 173 cm tall and weighing 57 kg, the humanoid robot is equipped with a screen on its face for displaying information and is designed to perform tasks ranging from household chores to industrial applications. Previous demonstrations have showcased Optimus’s ability to walk on uneven terrain, pick up delicate objects like eggs, and even perform yoga poses, highlighting its versatility and balance. Musk has repeatedly emphasized the robot’s potential to revolutionize industries, predicting that Optimus could one day outnumber humans and serve as a personal assistant or companion, akin to iconic fictional robots like R2-D2 from Star Wars.

The recent dance performance builds on Tesla’s earlier showcases of Optimus’s capabilities. In December 2024, a video demonstrated the robot’s ability to navigate rugged terrain without falling, a feat achieved using neural networks to control its limbs. Milan Kovac, Tesla’s Vice President of Engineering for Optimus, noted that the robot currently relies on advanced balance algorithms rather than visual processing, but future iterations will incorporate Tesla’s Vision system, used in its autonomous vehicles, to enhance its environmental awareness. These advancements are part of Tesla’s broader goal to begin mass production of Optimus by 2026, with initial deliveries expected before 2027.

Despite the excitement surrounding Optimus, Tesla has faced scrutiny over the authenticity of its demonstrations. In January 2024, a video of Optimus folding a shirt was criticized after it was revealed that the robot was remotely controlled by a human operator, prompting accusations of misleading marketing. Similarly, during Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in October 2024, some attendees speculated that Optimus’s smooth interactions, such as serving drinks at a bar, were aided by remote control rather than full autonomy. These incidents have fueled debates about the current state of Optimus’s AI capabilities and the timeline for achieving true autonomy.

Musk, however, remains undeterred by such criticism, maintaining that Optimus is on track to become a game-changer for Tesla and the broader economy. At a shareholder meeting in June 2024, he described Optimus as a potential catalyst for elevating Tesla’s market capitalization to $25 trillion, underscoring its importance to the company’s future. Musk envisions a world where humanoid robots like Optimus handle tasks such as dog walking, grocery shopping, and childcare, freeing humans to focus on creative and intellectual pursuits. He has also projected that the cost of producing Optimus could eventually fall below $20,000, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

The Trump-inspired dance video also highlights Musk’s knack for generating buzz and aligning his projects with high-profile figures and events. His close association with Donald Trump, particularly following the latter’s re-election in 2024, has been well-documented. Musk’s presence at Trump’s campaign events, including a rally in Washington, D.C., where his son X Æ A-12 was seen dancing alongside him, has further cemented this relationship. The Optimus dance performance, presented in the presence of Trump and other dignitaries, serves as both a technological showcase and a strategic move to capture public and political attention.

The public’s response to the video reflects broader sentiments about the intersection of technology, politics, and entertainment. While some view Optimus’s dance as a lighthearted demonstration of technological progress, others see it as a calculated move by Musk to align Tesla’s innovations with Trump’s public persona. The reference to Trump’s dance, popularized during his campaign rallies, taps into a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with millions, making the video a viral sensation. However, the debate over the video’s authenticity underscores the challenges Tesla faces in convincing the public of Optimus’s capabilities as a fully autonomous robot.

As Tesla continues to refine Optimus, the company is also navigating competitive pressures in the robotics industry. Rivals such as Agility Robotics, which has deployed robots in Amazon warehouses, and China’s Unitree Robotics, with its H1 robot capable of maintaining balance under physical stress, are making significant strides. These developments highlight the rapid pace of innovation in humanoid robotics and the high stakes for Tesla to deliver on Musk’s ambitious promises.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s showcase of Optimus performing a Trump-inspired dance marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s robotics journey, blending technological innovation with cultural relevance. While the video has sparked both admiration and skepticism, it underscores the potential of humanoid robots to transform industries and daily life. As Tesla works toward its goal of mass-producing Optimus, the world watches closely, eager to see whether Musk’s vision of a robot-filled future will become reality. For now, Optimus’s dance serves as a captivating glimpse into that future, one where robots not only work but also entertain and engage with humans in unexpected ways.