While President Donald Trump’s travel plans to China remain uncertain, a 42-year-old marketer from Chongqing has become a global sensation by embodying the former U.S. leader in a way that’s both entertaining and culturally enlightening. Ryan Chen—known online as the “Chinese Trump”—has amassed millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Chinese platforms by perfectly mimicking Trump’s signature accent, hand gestures, and larger-than-life persona. His rise from a casual social media poster to an international star highlights the power of humor and relatability in connecting people across borders.
From Dare to Viral Stardom: The Birth of “Chinese Trump”
Chen’s journey as Trump’s doppelgänger began last fall with a simple dare on Chinese social media. Posting a video in his hometown of Chongqing—where he described the 30-million-person city as “tremendous” in Trump’s unmistakable rhetorical style—he never expected it to take off. But the video went viral, and Chen quickly realized he had tapped into something special. “It went viral. I thought it was very good traffic,” he told NBC News in his first interview with a U.S. outlet. “So I started doing it ever since”.
Expanding Reach: From China to American Screens
Trump’s 2024 re-election gave Chen the push to expand his content internationally. He began posting videos on U.S. platforms like TikTok, where his humorous takes on global hits—such as singing APT in a blond wig and red tie—resonated with American audiences. His big break came earlier this year when a potential U.S. ban on TikTok drove users to Chinese alternatives like RedNote (Xiaohongshu). Chen capitalized on this wave by welcoming “TikTok refugees” with a mix of Trump-style humor and cultural tips, teaching them phrases like “long time no see” and “no problem” while poking fun at his own accent. “You sound just like him,” one California user commented. “But I came here to get away from him”.
A Bridge Between Cultures: Teaching English and Showcasing China
Despite his Trump persona, Chen’s content is decidedly apolitical. He steers clear of controversial topics and instead uses his platform to teach foreigners about Chinese culture, food, and travel. His videos often feature him exploring Chongqing’s hotpot scene, sampling street food, or giving insider tips on navigating Chinese cities—all while speaking in Trump’s voice. “I’m not interested in politics, actually,” he said. “The initial reason that I wanted to do Trump is because I think it’s funny. I want to make people laugh.” For Chen, humor is the ultimate bridge: “I want people to view me as a bridge between cultures. It’s a different perspective in a funny way”.
How a Non-American Nailed Trump’s Accent
Chen’s uncanny resemblance to Trump—despite never having set foot in the U.S.—is the result of years of self-study. He credits watching U.S. TV series like The Apprentice(the reality show that made Trump a household name) and mimicking the show’s dialogue for his near-native accent. “If you want to be good at doing him, you should watch the good imitators, because they kind of exaggerate his traits,” Chen said over a plate of Chongqing noodles. “If you were to rank me, I would not make top 10, but I’m the only Asian Trump and the only Chinese Trump. So that’s making me special!” His English skills, which he learned entirely on his own, have become a selling point for his content—Chinese fans often message him asking for English-learning tips, and he’s considering launching a dedicated English-training channel.
Global Recognition: From Chongqing to the World
Chen’s fame has extended far beyond China’s borders. He’s been recognized by international celebrities like Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and American YouTuber IShowSpeed, who featured Chen in his 2025 China tour livestream to 44 million subscribers. “Oh, I think I know you, you’re the Trump,” Vadim Mitko, a 20-year-old from Russia, said when he encountered Chen on a Chongqing street. “I was thinking, Chongqing is so far away from the USA, how is this guy speaking with that accent?” Mitko’s comment underscores the universal appeal of Chen’s content—his ability to make people laugh, regardless of where they’re from.
Keeping It Fun: The Future of “Chinese Trump”
As Chen’s popularity grows, he remains focused on his core mission: making people smile. He’s thought about meeting Trump in person but hasn’t ruled it out—though his message to the former president would be lighthearted. “You should come to Chongqing,” Chen joked in Trump’s voice. “Try the city’s famously spicy hotpot. You say you’re a tough guy. Maybe you should try extra hot.” For now, Chen is content to continue his journey as a social media star, using humor to connect people and showcase the best of China—one Trump impression at a time.
