Ryan Chen never planned to become a political figure. Yet, with a voice, posture, and rhythm strikingly similar to former US President Donald Trump, this 42-year-old creator from Chongqing has emerged as one of the internet's most surprising viral stars. Known globally as the "Chinese Trump," Chen has amassed millions of followers without ever venturing into politics. Instead, he cleverly uses Trump's iconic mannerisms to highlight Chinese cuisine, humour, and daily life, transforming a simple impersonation into a powerful tool for cultural storytelling.
From Architecture to Accidental Fame: The Rise of 'Chinese Trump'
Before viral fame reshaped his destiny, Ryan Chen worked in the architecture sector, a profession severely hit by China's prolonged property market slump. As job stability faded, he started experimenting with English-language content online, leveraging language skills honed by watching American sitcoms like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. The breakthrough happened almost by chance. A friend dared him to impersonate Donald Trump, and the response was immediate and overwhelming. Audiences were captivated not just by the accuracy of his voice, but by the confident swagger he embodied.
In China, where political parody can attract swift and unwanted scrutiny, Chen instinctively chose a different path. His videos are deliberately apolitical. He borrows Trump's exaggerated confidence, broad hand gestures, and familiar catchphrases like "tremendous" and "amazing," but redirects them to praise Chongqing hotpot, street food, or ordinary city moments. This careful balance has made his content widely shareable across borders. Viewers instantly recognise the voice but are disarmed by the lack of mockery or attack, resulting in playful, non-confrontational humour.
A Global Stage: Collaboration and Cultural Connection
Chen's fame received a significant boost in 2025, when Donald Trump's return to the White House refocused global attention on his unique style. Chen's content suddenly felt timely again, spreading beyond niche comedy circles. His status was cemented when he jumped on a livestream with American YouTuber IShowSpeed during the influencer's visit to China. This collaboration introduced Chen to a young, international audience, propelling his videos onto global feeds and proving he was more than a regional curiosity.
Chen describes himself as a cultural connector, not just a comedian. His videos are filmed in English, often with Chinese subtitles, and focus on universal experiences: eating spicy food, navigating bustling streets, or joking with foreign visitors. Chongqing's famously fiery cuisine is a frequent star, acting as both a visual hook and a cultural ambassador. Despite having never lived in the United States until recently, his convincing American accent is the product of years studying Trump's speeches and American media.
Building a Brand on Laughter, Not Division
Today, Ryan Chen is a full-time content creator with a growing commercial presence. His income streams include brand promotions, live events, and corporate appearances, with partners ranging from tech firms to food and automobile brands. Importantly, he has confirmed receiving a US visa, a sign that his work remains firmly within the bounds of entertainment. His story reflects how performance, timing, and restraint can transform a simple impersonation into a global brand built on curiosity, laughter, and connection, rather than division. What began as a part-time dare has now surpassed his former career, providing a creative outlet and remarkable success in a changing digital landscape.
