A social media sensation has emerged from southwest China, where 42-year-old Ryan Chen has captivated millions with his remarkably accurate impersonation of former US President Donald Trump. Operating from his hometown of Chongqing, Chen has masterfully replicated Trump’s distinctive mannerisms, vocal cadence, and signature phrases like ‘tremendous’ and ‘amazing’ without venturing into political satire.
Chen’s content strategy cleverly combines entertainment with cultural exchange. His videos, presented in English with Chinese subtitles, feature lighthearted explorations of Chinese cuisine, cultural customs, and humorous interactions with foreigners. The performer frequently incorporates Trump’s trademark stage song ‘YMCA’ into his routines, creating a unique fusion of American political parody and Chinese cultural presentation.
The architectural professional turned internet personality discovered his talent unexpectedly. Initially creating English-teaching content as a career alternative during China’s property crisis, Chen’s breakthrough came in 2025 following a friend’s challenge to imitate Trump. His appearance on American YouTuber IShowSpeed’s livestream during his China visit further amplified his visibility, propelling him to international recognition.
Chen maintains a carefully apolitical approach, emphasizing his role as an entertainer rather than political commentator. ‘Trump is an endless well that never runs dry because he draws more online traffic than anyone else on the planet,’ Chen explained in an interview. His impersonation work has generated substantial followings across platforms—over one million on Instagram, nearly as many on TikTok, and more than 2.5 million on Chinese social media networks.
The performer’s success has translated into professional opportunities through advertising partnerships with automotive, digital product, gaming, and dairy brands. In a significant validation of his approach, Chen recently obtained a US visa and is currently visiting the country for the first time. As Trump prepares for his anticipated visit to China, Chen has extended an invitation for the former president to experience Chongqing’s famously spicy hotpot, though he maintains no aspirations for an actual meeting, recognizing the potential diplomatic complications.