As the 2024 presidential election draws near, Democratic and Republican candidates are vying for every vote, including from the sizable Greek-American community in the United States. Recently, a video surfaced on Greek social media claiming to show former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, performing the traditional Greek dance "Zeibekiko." The clip sparked mixed reactions online, with some users expressing support for Trump and others criticizing what they saw as a ploy for votes. However, the individual in the video is actually a comedian impersonating Trump.
With the election less than four weeks away on November 5, presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are ramping up their efforts as the race is predicted to be one of the closest in U.S. history.
Despite Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' assurance that the election outcome will not impact Greece-U.S. relations, both campaigns are keenly focused on the Greek-American community, a significant demographic in several U.S. states.
In late September, Facebook users shared videos of a Trump lookalike dancing the Zeibekiko, which quickly went viral, having initially been posted on TikTok in June. The claim was further circulated on platforms like X and various Greek websites.
Comments on these posts were divided, with some praising Trump and others criticizing the act. Still, the video in question does not feature Trump but rather a skilled impersonator.
A reverse image search led to the discovery of a post by "bobdibuono" — a comedian renowned for his Trump impersonations. The original clip was uploaded on Facebook on May 23, 2024, by Bob DiBuono, who maintains a presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where he brands himself as a leading Trump impersonator with appearances on major TV networks.
Bob DiBuono, who routinely dons a Trump look, including the signature red MAGA hat, is a seasoned comedian who has performed in venues like New York City. His acts often reflect political satire, and he has gained considerable attention for his work impersonating Trump.
His social media accounts showcase numerous Trump impersonations, and he capitalizes on this act through personalized videos on Cameo, promoting his services to fans of his comedic take on Trump.
DiBuono confirmed to Greek fact-checkers that it was him performing in the video, shot at a birthday party. This incident highlights the importance of verifying viral content, especially amid a high-stakes election year marked by widespread misinformation.