Photo Credit: AFP
Stretching his arms in Donald Trump’s signature pose, impersonator Ryan Chen reproduces the US president’s voice and gestures with such uncanny accuracy that he has become a viral sensation through his comedic videos.
The 42-year-old from southwest China avoids political satire — a sensitive area that can lead to account suspensions — yet he has built a massive following across Instagram, TikTok and Chinese social media platforms.
“Trump is an endless source of material. No one generates online attention like he does,” Chen told Agence France-Presse (AFP) in his hometown of Chongqing, which itself has gained online fame for its maze-like urban layout and fiery cuisine.
Chen’s rise to fame came unexpectedly. His popularity surged in 2025 after Trump returned to the White House. A fan of American sitcoms such as Friends and The Big Bang Theory, Chen — who had never visited the United States before this year — initially began posting videos to teach English as a backup plan while working in architecture, a sector badly affected by China’s property slowdown.
His content saw only modest success until a friend dared him to impersonate Trump. The gamble paid off. His appearance in April on a livestream with IShowSpeed, an American YouTuber boasting more than 47 million subscribers, further propelled him into the spotlight.
Chen says Trump has become so ingrained in his daily routine that he now feels a sense of familiarity with him, “like a neighbour next door.” He views himself as a cultural bridge, connecting international audiences curious about urban China with Chinese viewers eager to understand foreign humour and global culture.
The impersonator now commands over one million followers on Instagram, nearly the same on TikTok, and more than 2.5 million across Chinese platforms, and is regularly recognised on the streets.
Chen, whose real name is Chen Rui, learned English through American television and believes sounding like a “native speaker” is key to his success. He also stays closely tuned to Trump-related news, which he calls “a goldmine of comedic material,” while drawing inspiration from American Trump impressionists.
Today, Chen earns his living through advertising, events and corporate performances. “My main income comes from advertising,” he said, noting that brands ranging from automobiles and digital products to games and dairy companies hire him for promotional campaigns.
In a sign that his work has caused no diplomatic discomfort, Chen recently announced in a video that he had obtained a US visa and is now visiting the country for the first time. With Trump expected to travel to China later this year, Chen has invited the president to visit Chongqing and “try our hotpot,” known for its intense spiciness.
While meeting the real Trump might be “cool,” Chen said he has no strong desire to pursue it, as such an encounter would quickly turn political. “I’m just a comedian,” he said. “I have no political ambitions.”
In his videos — filmed in English with Chinese subtitles — Chen playfully introduces Chinese food, traditions and cultural contrasts, jokes with foreigners and dances to the Village People’s “YMCA,” one of Trump’s signature rally songs. His performances are filled with Trump’s unmistakable expressions and catchphrases such as “tremendous” and “amazing.”
“I don’t imitate him to mock him,” Chen explained, tipping his white cowboy hat. “I do it to attract attention. And with that attention, I can grow my career while promoting China and my hometown.”